'Some player': Senior Celtic man purrs over recent displays and tells critics to forget figures

Belgium internationalist Engels arrived from Augsburg 18 months ago for a fee in the region of £11 million and while he started his career at Celtic Park strongly, his form this season has dipped and he started the campaign on the fringes of the first team.

However, the 22-year-old has recently return to the starting XI and scored his second goal of the season in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Hibs at Easter Road.

McGregor shares the midfield with Engels and the experienced skipper feels the Belgian internationalist is being unfairly judged because of his price tag. McGregor believes it is the job of both him and senior players to help Engels develop further and paid tribute to the youngster’s attitude.

“Listen, I love Arne,” said McGregor. “He's some player for a kid, maybe 22 now. He was 21 when he came in with a big prize tag last year.

“Maybe people unfairly judge him based on the prize tag, but I think he's a tremendous player, who plays with a big heart and big energy and will always get better, because he has the right attitude.

“So, it's our job to make him continue to grow. I was delighted for him on Sunday.

“He was outstanding on Thursday night [in a 3-1 win over Feyenoord], so hopefully he recovers, and we go again on Wednesday [against Dundee].”