Celtic captain Callum McGregor's post-match comments after the Dundee United game have been widely analysed, with supporters concluding things are not quite right behind the scenes at the club. However, those in the room on Wednesday night say this was not a mutiny against the manager or a player undermining his boss.
McGregor's measured assessment
McGregor, described as one of the smartest figures in the game, spoke with insight and authority when questioned by Record Sport about Celtic's continuing brand of 'chaos ball' being risky in the long term. He did not sidestep the issue, facing it head on.
His comments about Celtic playing basketball, the danger of fielding players out of position and the lack of control were telling. The remarks were measured rather than emotional, as McGregor recognised the problems and insisted steps had to be taken to address them.
No division between captain and manager
While some have painted this as a division between manager and captain, a section of supporters have already decided Cameron Carter-Vickers has been sidelined because he described Celtic's play as 'random', even though the defender has been dealing with an injury.
It is highly doubtful McGregor will be sent to Siberia for his comments, but it will be interesting to see how Michael O'Neill handles it when he faces the media ahead of the Falkirk match.
O'Neill's likely response
Back in the summer, O'Neill was asked about McGregor's quotes towards the end of last term about staying if the club matched his ambition. O'Neill suggested his words were taken out of context, and joked his old gaffer Brian Clough would have hit the roof in similar circumstances back in his Nottingham Forest days.
There is no chance the captain will be dragged over the coals for calling it like it is. O'Neill will play it down, but it is up to him and his coaches to address his skipper's concerns.
