Callum McGregor will likely go down as the most decorated player in Celtic history. While the midfielder has faced some criticism for his performances lately, it is only right to view things in their right context.

Firstly, pretty much the entire Celtic team has struggled this season. It is difficult for a central midfielder to look good when those around him are not doing much of note.

Secondly, it feels like the squad is not built around McGregor's strengths. They need some legs in the middle of the park to free him a bit and get the best out of his qualities. At 32 years of age, he might be able to adjust as easily as he did in the past.

There have been some rumours linking him with a reunion with former manager Brendan Rodgers as well, who is currently at Al Qadsiah.

Could McGregor be on his way out of Celtic to join the Saudi Pro League? It is not impossible, although there has not been much concrete to suggest that the midfielder wants to leave.

Someday, the McGregor era will come to an end though, whether it is at the end of this season or five years down the line. At that point, they will need to find a new captain. Someone with a connection the support as well as the quality to lead a team like this.

Scott Brown appears to have the perfect candidate in his mind already. According to 67 Hail Hail, the former Celtic captain said: 

“I think Kieran (Tierney) will be the next one.

“Cal (McGregor) still has a lot to offer. Then I think it’s natural for Kieran to step in for captaining once Cal retires, if I am honest.”

Of course, there will be some doubts, whenever that armband is passed, just like was the case when McGregor took it from Brown.

The transition went smoothly though and he has captained Celtic to four straight league titles. A fifth is up for grabs but the Hoops will need to raise their performance levels in the post-split fixtures for that to happen.

One would hope that the same thing happens when it is time for McGregor to give up the Celtic armband and usher in a new era.

It is very possible that the choice could be Kieran Tierney. Just like McGregor, he came through the club's youth ranks to become a first-team regular.

It is very possible that he might have been in line to get the armband from Brown if he had not left for Arsenal before that.

Obviously, a lot will depend on where Tierney is at that point in his career. Considering his injury history, you never know how long he will want to or be capable of playing.

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