Taking on the responsibility of the captaincy and wearing the armband has meant that Callum McGregor is following in the footsteps of some legendary figures in Celtic’s history.

And while he didn’t literally follow in their footsteps today (Sunday) up the Hampden stairs to lift the trophy, he still did so on podium on the pitch, confirming his status as a winning Celtic captain.

The experience has only made him determined to repeat that moment many more times in the future.

The 28-year-old midfielder now has 16 winners medals as a Celt, and while each will be special in its own way, the one he picked up following the 2-1 victory over Hibernian will be extra special, given that it is his first as captain.

Speaking after the League Cup final success, McGregor said: “It’s amazing. I’m super proud and super happy. I tried to speak before the game about trying to keep a lid on it and focus on the game but it’s always in your thoughts.

“And to do it at the first time of asking just shows what the group is made of – to come here and perform on a big day with big pressure, so I’m absolutely delighted and so proud of the group.

“It’s the stuff of dreams. To be a young boy in the Academy just trying to make your way through and enjoying your football.

'You have that dream to play in the first-team and to then stand on the podium with the trophy above your head as club captain is something really special to me.'

“That’s something I wanted to do – to get my name on the list of captains that have won things at Celtic – it’s amazing company to keep in terms of the names, the legends who have played for this football club and who have won things.

“Hopefully this is just the start for myself to be a successful Celtic player and captain, and I’m so hungry for success.

McGregor was outstanding in the heart of the Celtic midfield alongside Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton, who replaced the injured David Turnbull early in the game.

And their collective experience proved beneficial to a Celtic team featuring many players experiencing their first cup final for the club.

One of those, of course, was Celtic’s two-goal hero, Kyogo, and despite the fact that he was an injury doubt ahead of the final, he made a decisive impact with two breathtaking goals.

Callum McGregor: I'm so proud to lift my first trophy as Celtic captain