CALLUM McGregor has revealed how Brendan Rodgers knew all about who he was when he took over Celtic – from the night he nearly helped Notts County pull off a cup upset against Liverpool.
McGregor spent the 2013/14 season on loan at Meadow Lane and found himself up against the Barclays Premier League giants at Anfield in the Capital One Cup in just his fifth game in senior football.
The Reds, who at that time were managed by Rodgers, fielded Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge in their starting line-up that night and went 2-0 ahead in the first half.
However, the Magpies fought back to level the tie by full-time – with their on-loan Scottish midfielder playing his part by setting up Yoann Arquin for their opening goal in the second half.
Liverpool managed to avoid a humiliating defeat in front of their home supporters at the hands of their third tier opponents thanks to goals from Sturridge and Jordan Henderson during extra-time.
However, Rodgers recalled the contribution McGregor made that evening when he arrived in Glasgow this summer. “I have spoken to the manager personally since he took over,” he said. “
"He is a really good manager and a really good people person as well. It has been excellent since he came through the door. I am sure all of the boys will agree.
“He remembered when we played them in the Capital One Cup. We had a conversation about that. He obviously remembered it. It went to extra-time.
“It was 2-2 in the game and then we fell away in extra-time and they beat us 4-2. I had an assist. It was good. We just had a chat about the game and the goals I have scored.”
The appointment of Rodgers as Celtic manager as well as the return of Rangers to the Ladbrokes Premiership is set to bring supporters flocking back to Parkhead in large numbers this season.
Over 50,000 fans turned up to see the Scottish champions take on Lincoln Red Imps, a part-time club from Gibraltar, in the second leg of the Champions League second qualifying round on Wednesday night.
Attendances have gradually fallen in the four seasons that their city rivals have not been involved in the top flight and McGregor admitted it was nice to see a full-house at Celtic Park once again.
He believes the increased level of backing – including from the newly installed safe-standing section – will help them achieve results both domestically and in Europe during the 2016/17 campaign.
“It was brilliant on Wednesday night,” he said. “The fans were excellent. There was a great atmosphere. When we scored the quick goals everybody got on our side and it was really enjoyable to go and play in it.
“Hopefully it is a taste of things to come. We have sold a lot of season tickets. That is a good indicator that the crowds are coming back. Hopefully we can go on a good Champions League run. With Rangers coming back in, the place should be rocking again. It will be really good and really enjoyable to play in.”
“Sometimes the energy of the fans transfers to the pitch. You just try and go and play the way that the manager wants you to play. You saw it on Wednesday night - when the place is rocking it gives you that extra half a yard. It is a great atmosphere and great to play in.”
“The safe-standing area is great. The fans were excellent again. The safe standing area has brought another level to the noise so it has been great.”
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