Captain Callum McGregor insists that Celtic possess a clear advantage in the ongoing Scottish Premiership title chase, while also shutting down speculation about his own future with the club. The Glasgow side currently sit third in the league standings, three points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian and two points shy of Old Firm rivals Rangers. Celtic, who have claimed 13 of the last 14 league crowns, will begin their post‑split fixtures on Saturday with a home match against Falkirk, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
"I don't think I'd be doing my job properly if I didn't believe we have the edge," McGregor told reporters. "I train with the Celtic squad every day, I watch how we prepare, and I see the obstacles we've already overcome this season – a turbulent spell that saw us change managers twice, bounce back from a difficult position, reach a cup final and now prepare for another." He went on to explain that the signs are evident that the team is hungry for victory and capable of delivering it. "When the squad is under pressure, they have historically produced big results. I hope we can replicate that in the next five games," he added.
The captain highlighted the team's mental resilience, noting the frequency of late goals as proof of a never‑give‑up attitude. "We've scored a lot of late goals, which shows the mentality is there to keep pushing until the final whistle," McGregor said. He emphasized that he never entered a training session feeling the campaign was lost, nor did he ever see a lack of belief in the dressing room. "Everyone still thinks we can achieve this, and that belief has been crucial," he observed.
McGregor praised the character and resilience of the group, stating that these qualities are abundant within the squad. "I don't think anyone can question the resilience or character of this group – they have shown it in abundance," he affirmed.
The 32‑year‑old midfielder, who has already lifted 24 major trophies with Celtic, was linked in January with a possible move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah, where former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers now works. Despite the rumors, McGregor made it clear his focus remains on adding more silverware to Celtic's trophy cabinet. "I've always said I want to be at this club," he declared. "I've been part of Celtic since I was eight years old – it's in my DNA.
I carry that with me every day and I want to stay here." He stressed his commitment to the club's ambition: "I just want to make sure the club continues to push, to be successful, and to drive forward. The conversations with the board show they share that vision, so for me, this is the place I want to play." When asked whether he envisions ending his playing career at Celtic, McGregor responded affirmatively. "Obviously it's a two‑way street – if the club believes I still have something to offer and they want to keep pushing for success, then I'm happy to stay." He reflected on the intoxicating nature of success at a club like Celtic: "When you taste success, you want to hold onto it. You want it every season, you want to keep pushing and trying to play at the highest level possible." The captain's words underline both his personal devotion and his belief that the team can still mount a serious challenge for the league title, despite the narrow points gap.
Celtic's recent form has been a mixture of solid performances and dramatic comebacks, with the squad often finding the back of the net in the dying minutes of matches. This late‑goal habit, according to McGregor, is a testament to the team's fighting spirit and never‑say‑die mentality. He believes that maintaining this attitude will be essential as the club enters the crucial final stretch of the season, where every point can make the difference between a championship and a runner‑up finish. Looking ahead, Celtic will need to navigate a packed schedule that includes domestic cup competitions and the looming possibility of European fixtures.
McGregor is confident that the depth of the squad, combined with the experience of senior players and the enthusiasm of younger talent, will enable them to compete on multiple fronts. In summary, Callum McGregor has dismissed any notion of a departure, reaffirmed his lifelong bond with Celtic, and highlighted the team's resilience, character, and late‑goal prowess as key factors that give them an edge in the title race.
With the club's storied history of dominance still fresh in the minds of players and supporters alike, the captain believes that Celtic can still seize the championship if they maintain belief, work hard, and continue to deliver under pressure.