Source: Team_Talk
Mulgrew ready to step up
Charlie Mulgrew has told Celtic boss Neil Lennon he is the man to fill the gaping void left by Emilio Izaguirre.[LNB] The Hoops were dealt a major blow when one of their key players was ruled out for between four and six months with a fractured ankle sustained in the Scottish Premier League game at Aberdeen at the weekend.[LNB]Izaguirre was replaced by Mulgrew in the left-back slot at Pittodrie and he believes he has what it takes to fill the role on a more permanent basis.[LNB]Mulgrew said: "Emilio's injury is very disappointing for everybody, he will be a big loss to the team and everybody is gutted for him.[LNB]"I don't know if it's my preferred position but I can play there. I've played there a lot and I'm comfortable there.[LNB]"Wherever I play, I just try to do my best and if I play well, I enjoy it. I don't have a preferred position."[LNB]Izaguirre enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Parkhead which saw him named player of the year by the Scottish Professional Footballers' Association, the Scottish Football Writers and Clydesdale Bank Premier League.[LNB]But Mulgrew claims he is not daunted by the prospect of trying to replace such an influential figure.[LNB]He said: "You can't think like that, you've got to think about your own game.[LNB]"You can't compare yourself to other people. You've got to come in and do the job you know you can do and get on with it.[LNB]"I've got to believe in myself and if I'm chosen to play there I have to do my best and I'm confident I can do a job there."[LNB]Mulgrew can play in defence and midfield and hopes his versatility will be key to remaining in Lennon's plans this season.[LNB]He said: "With a lot of games coming up it could be important. Last year it was.[LNB]"The first game I came in and played at left-back and then I played left-midfield at Ibrox in January and then I played most of the season at centre-back and then back to left-midfield.[LNB]"We've got a couple of players who can play in different positions so it is important with a lot of games coming up.[LNB]"It's a new season and I had to work hard in pre-season and fight for my place.[LNB]"At a club like Celtic, you are always going to have to fight for your place.[LNB]"It's a huge club and there is always going to be signings and competition for places.[LNB]"You have to be prepared for that and that's the way I've been thinking.[LNB]"Everybody knows it's about fighting for your place in the team and, when you get the chance, it's about taking it.[LNB]"There are going to be a lot of games so everybody is going to have to be ready and, when called upon, do a job.[LNB]"I just keep my head down and do my talking on the pitch and work as hard as I can and catch the manager's eye. If a chance comes up, I hope to take it."[LNB]On the prospect of catching the eye of Scotland boss Craig Levein - after failing to make the squad for last night's win over Denmark - Mulgrew said: "It's not up to me, it's up to the manager to pick his team and I'm sure he will do what's best for Scotland.[LNB]"Everybody likes to play at international level and I would like to be involved. But it's up to Craig Levein to pick the squad."
