Captain Callum McGregor believes Celtic possess a slight advantage in the ongoing Scottish Premiership title chase and has firmly denied any speculation about his own departure from the club. The Glasgow side currently sit in third place, three points behind league leaders Hearts and two points adrift of fierce rivals Rangers. Having dominated the domestic scene for over a decade – winning 13 of the previous 14 league crowns – Celtic are set to begin their post‑split fixtures on Saturday with a home clash against Falkirk, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
"I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I didn't think we have the edge," McGregor said in a candid interview. "I see the Celtic squad every day, I watch how we train, I know the obstacles we've already overcome this season – a turbulent spell with two managerial changes, a comeback from a difficult position, a cup final we reached and another one we are still fighting for." He continued, "Those experiences give me confidence that the team wants to win and has the capacity to do so. When we are under pressure, we have a habit of delivering big results, and I hope we can replicate that over the next five games." McGregor highlighted the side's habit of scoring late goals as evidence of a resilient mentality. "We've netted a lot of late strikes, which tells you the mindset is there to keep pushing until the final whistle," he explained.
He added that he never once entered a training session thinking the season was lost, nor did he ever see a lack of belief in the dressing room. "What struck me every day was that everyone still believed we could achieve our goals, and that belief has been crucial," he said. The captain praised the character and resilience of his teammates, stating, "I don't think anyone can question the group's resolve – it's abundant." Despite being linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah – where former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers now works – the 32‑year‑old reiterated his commitment to the Parkhead faithful.
McGregor, who has amassed 24 major trophies with Celtic, emphasized his lifelong connection to the club, noting that he joined the academy at the age of eight. "I've always said I want to stay at this club.
It's in my DNA; it's something I carry with me every single day," he declared. He explained his motivations further: "I want to make sure the club continues to push for success, to drive forward.
The board shares that ambition, and that's why this is the place I want to play." When asked whether he envisions finishing his career at Celtic, McGregor responded affirmatively. "If the club feels I still have something to contribute, and the club keeps striving for success, then yes, I see myself ending my playing days here," he said. "When you taste success at a club like Celtic, you want more of it.
You want to chase trophies every season and compete at the highest level possible." Celtic's current campaign has been marked by both challenges and moments of triumph. Early in the season, the team faced managerial instability, with two different coaches taking charge within a short period. Yet the squad adapted quickly, showing a capacity to rally under new leadership. Their recent performances have been characterized by a strong defensive foundation combined with an attacking flair that often sees them snatch goals in the dying minutes – a trait that McGregor believes exemplifies the team's never‑give‑up attitude.
Off the pitch, the club continues to nurture its youth pipeline, a system that produced McGregor himself. The academy remains a cornerstone of Celtic's identity, feeding talent into the first team and reinforcing the club's tradition of homegrown success.
This emphasis on developing players from within aligns with McGregor's own narrative and underscores why he feels such a deep personal bond with the club. Looking ahead, Celtic must navigate a congested fixture list that includes league matches, domestic cup ties, and potential European commitments. The next five games, as McGregor highlighted, will be pivotal in determining whether the team can close the gap on Hearts and Rangers. Consistency, mental toughness, and the ability to convert chances – especially in the closing stages of matches – will be essential.
Fans can follow Celtic's progress through live Scottish Premiership tables, streaming services that offer matches without a contract, and free highlight reels that capture the drama of each game. The club's supporters remain hopeful that the combination of experienced leaders like McGregor and emerging talents will sustain Celtic's dominance in Scottish football for years to come.
In summary, Callum McGregor's message to both the squad and the supporters is clear: Celtic possess the edge in the title race, the team’s character is strong, and his own future lies firmly at Celtic. The upcoming fixtures will test that belief, but the captain’s confidence suggests that the Hoops are ready to fight for every point and every trophy on the horizon.