Frank McAvennie tips Callum McGregor for shock Celtic exit

Last year, there were reports that the Northern Irishman, who resigned in October, was keen on bringing the 32-year-old to Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.

When asked about departures this summer, McAvennie spoke of the likely upheaval in midfield, with Reo Hatate's future likely to be away from Celtic Park, alongside EPL interest in Benjamin Nygren.

"I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes and joins Brendan in Saudi Arabia," said McAvennie of McGregor. "And he would go with my blessing, he’s been absolutely superb.

"He’s not getting found out, but he’s just not getting the players around to help him. At 33, you need younger legs, and he’d still be the catalyst — but he’s not got them at the moment.

"If he goes and [Daizen] Maeda and [Reo] Hatate... they are big gaps to fill.

"I saw reports saying Brighton wanted [Benjamin] Nygren for £30 million — well, I’ll drive him! But that’s the kind of money, if you were to get that for Nygren, then brilliant. I don’t know where Celtic would be without his goals.

"If you’re getting that kind of money for him, then take it. As long as it gets put back into the team."

Next up for Celtic is a trip to the national stadium to take on St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.

Sunday's contest between the two sides will represent the fifth time the pair have met this season in all competitions.