Callum McGregor is back in the Celtic squad for this Saturday’s game away to Aberdeen, and the captain’s return to action following an injury lay-off is a boost for the whole squad.

Ange Postecoglou is delighted to have McGregor back and available for selection, although he also praised who stepped in to take up the reigns in the absence of the captain.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Pittodrie, the Celtic manager said: “Callum’s a fantastic footballer and he’s a major influence in and around our football club and our team, and that will definitely make us stronger.

“To be fair to the lads, they carried his absence really well, and that was one of our challenges.

'When you lose such an influential figure on and off the field, how do you cover that absence in both areas? And I think the boys stepped up.'

“On the field the likes of Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate in particular, Aaron Mooy and David Turnbull, they put in a real shift to cover his absence, and off the field in terms of his leadership, guys like Joe and Cameron Carter-Vickers stood up, but there’s no doubt it’s great having Callum back.

“It’s not just experience but his quality. He’s a top footballer and, as I said, he’s our captain and our leader and he’s a top footballer, so every time you get a player back after an absence, the whole group feels good about it.

“And I’m sure he’s looking to hit the ground running. He’s worked really hard at training in the last couple of weeks to get himself back up to speed, and we’re looking forward to having him back in the team, and there’s no doubt that he’ll make us stronger.”

Manager: Having Callum back will make us stronger