Celtic captain Callum McGregor hails Irish trio ahead of Páirc Uí Chaoimh friendly
Michael Bolton
Celtic captain Callum McGregor has praised the club’s Irish trio as the Scottish champions prepare for a pre-season friendly against Cork City next Wednesday at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The match marks the start of Celtic’s new campaign after clinching a fourth league title in a row, drawing level with Rangers on 55 overall.
A major factor in their success last season was Ireland striker Adam Idah, who scored 20 goals and will be eager to return to his native Cork next week.
McGregor, a veteran of many Celtic squads, sees even more to come from the 24-year-old forward.
“Adam has the world at his feet with the ability and talent he’s got. He’s been excellent and is still a young player who is developing and learning all the time.His impact began when he came on loan for the last six months the season before, scoring some big goals—including the Scottish Cup final winner," he told BreakingNews.ie.
"Then in his first full season last year, his goal return improved with more games and experience. We’ve been really impressed with him, and we just continue to push and get the maximum out of him because he’s a top young player.”
Also among the Irish ranks is Johnny Kenny, who scored his first goal for the club since returning from a loan spell at Shamrock Rovers.
Kenny impressed in the Europa Conference League under Stephen Bradley and has since made eight appearances for Celtic. McGregor is pleased with his progress.
“He came in with a great reputation from the League of Ireland, scoring a lot of goals at a really young age. Everyone could see the potential. He did well on loan and has matured into a very good young footballer. He’s had a few chances since he came back in, and the signs are really good. He just keeps working hard—he’s been first class.”
Another success story is Liam Scales, who made his name in the League of Ireland before signing for Celtic in 2021. After initially struggling to break into the side and spending time on loan at Aberdeen, the Ireland centre back is now a mainstay in the Celtic defence.
“Maybe he was at a crossroads but sometimes you need a little bit of patience at a big club like this. There are many moving parts and you’re better staying the course and biding your time. He’s a perfect example of that. He gives great balance to the team, serves the ball really well, and he’s actually a good leader in the group. He always pushes to the maximum of his ability.”
Celtic’s title win came in a season that also brought heartbreak in Europe and domestic cups—a Champions League exit to Bayern Munich and a Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen. With Champions League qualifiers looming, McGregor says focus begins in Cork.
“Every game you play for Celtic is important. We’re in pre-season, but these games are crucial for fitness and rhythm ahead of a long, hard season. Irish fans travel over every week in big numbers to Celtic Park and away games. These guys do the yards, so when we perform live for them, we want to make it count. We want to put on a show.”