Captain Callum McGregor has asserted that Celtic possess a clear advantage in the Scottish Premiership title chase, while also dismissing any speculation about his own future departure from the club. The Glasgow side currently sit in third place, three points behind league leaders Hearts and two points shy of their Old Firm rivals Rangers, indicating a tight contest at the top of the table.
Celtic, who have dominated Scottish football by securing 13 of the last 14 league championships, are set to begin their post‑split fixtures on Saturday with a home match against Falkirk, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. McGregor emphasized his belief in the squad’s edge, stating, "I don’t think I’d be doing my job properly if I didn’t think we had the edge." He highlighted the daily observations he makes as captain, noting the quality of training sessions and the resilience the team has shown throughout a season marked by several challenges. "I see the Celtic team every day, I see how we train, I see what we’ve overcome already this season in terms of a little bit of adversity, changing manager twice, fought back from where we were, we were in a cup final, we’re in another cup final," McGregor explained.
He pointed to the signs of ambition and determination within the squad, adding that the players have repeatedly demonstrated an ability to produce big results when under pressure. "Generally when the team have been under pressure they’ve managed to produce big results, so hopefully we can do that over the next five games," he said, expressing optimism for the crucial run‑in to the season’s conclusion.
The captain also referenced Celtic’s habit of scoring late goals, interpreting this as evidence of a never‑give‑up mentality. "We’ve scored a lot of late goals, so that tells you the mentality is there to keep going and keep going," McGregor remarked.
He dismissed any notion that the dressing‑room atmosphere had deteriorated, insisting that every player still believes the club can achieve its objectives. "I never went into training one day and thought that we were gone.
I never ever looked inside the dressing room and seen the players and seen the way that they were and the one thing that struck me was everyone still thinks we can do this and that has been such an important thing," he said. McGregor praised the resilience and character of the group, describing these qualities as abundant throughout the campaign.
"I don’t think anyone can point the finger at the resilience of the group or the character of the group. I think that’s been there in abundance," he affirmed.
Despite being linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah—where former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers now works—McGregor made it clear his focus remains on adding more silverware to his impressive haul of 24 major trophies with the Hoops. "I’ve always said I want to be at this club. I’ve come through since I was eight years old. It’s in my DNA.
It’s something I carry with me every single day. I want to be here," the 32‑year‑old captain declared.
He emphasized his desire to see Celtic continue to push for success, noting that conversations with the club’s hierarchy confirm a shared ambition to keep the team competitive at the highest level. When asked whether he envisions ending his playing career at Celtic, McGregor responded affirmatively, linking his personal aspirations to the club’s continued pursuit of trophies.
"Yeah. It’s obviously twofold, where if the club think I’ve got something to offer, and then obviously the club, like I said there, they want to keep pushing, they want to keep being successful," he said. He explained that experiencing success creates a craving for more: "The one thing you do get when you’re at this club is when you have a taste of success, you want to keep it. And you want it every single year and you want to keep pushing and trying to play at the highest level you can." McGregor’s comments come at a pivotal moment for Celtic, as the team seeks to close the gap on Hearts and Rangers while navigating the pressures of a congested fixture list that includes two cup finals.
The captain’s confidence in the squad’s mental fortitude, combined with his personal commitment to remain at Parkhead, sends a reassuring message to supporters who have long associated him with the club’s identity. His leadership, both on and off the pitch, will be crucial as Celtic aims to add another league title to its storied history and maintain its dominance in Scottish football.
The upcoming match against Falkirk offers an early test of the team’s resolve in the post‑split phase, and McGregor’s belief that the side possesses the necessary edge suggests that Celtic will approach the fixture with the same intensity that has characterized their recent comeback performances. Fans can look forward to a display of the resilience, character, and late‑goal heroics that McGregor highlighted, all of which could prove decisive in the race for the Scottish Premiership crown. In summary, Callum McGregor remains steadfast in his loyalty to Celtic, dismisses transfer rumours, and firmly believes his side holds a competitive advantage in the title race.
His remarks underline a commitment to perseverance, a belief in the squad’s capacity to deliver under pressure, and a personal desire to finish his career at the club that has shaped his footballing journey from childhood to the present day.