Carl Starfelt in cautious Callum McGregor response as Celtic star responds to David Martindale's 'top four' verdict

Starfelt reckons McGregor COULD play in England's top four, but he was reluctant to put him in the shop window.

Carl Starfelt was cautious when asked if Callum McGregor could play at the very top of the English Premier League. But the Swedish defender couldn't help but admit that David Martindale was otherwise spot on in his glowing assessment of the skipper.

McGregor was the matchwinner for Celtic against Aberdeen in their hour of need on Saturday and continues to be the main man in midfield for Ange Postecoglou. They face Livingston on Wednesday looking to keep their red-hot winning streak going and Lions boss Martindale was full of praise for the table-toppers, with McGregor singled out for his captain's contributions.

The Livi boss insisted the Scotland midfielder is the best in the league and rated him good enough to play for the likes of Arsenal or Manchester City down south. And Starfelt, though reluctant to give his captain the big sell for a league he hasn't played in, reckons Martindale was on the money.

When asked if he agrees, Starfelt said: "Ooof, I can say he's a really big player. I don't want to comment on any league I haven't been in so it's a bit hard for me to say. But obviously he's a really good player and one of the better players I have played with in my career - I'm sure he could do that."

Speaking on McGregor, Martindale said: "Celtic have definitely got one of, if not the best midfielder in the league in Callum McGregor. For me, he is a top four, top six Premier League player, that’s how highly I rate him. He’s a fantastic captain and a fantastic player."

McGregor has played 13 times for Celtic this season after missing a chunk of the pre-break action with an injury. But he announced his return at Pittodrie over the weekend and looks a cert to start again as they look to make it ten cinch Premiership wins on the trot.

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