Captain Callum McGregor insists that Celtic possess a clear edge in the ongoing Scottish Premiership title race and has firmly rejected any speculation about his own exit from the club. The Hoops currently sit in third place, three points adrift of league leaders Hearts and two points behind their Old Firm rivals Rangers. Celtic, who have dominated Scottish football by securing 13 of the last 14 league crowns, will begin their post‑split schedule on Saturday with a home fixture against Falkirk, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
"I don’t think I’d be doing my job properly if I didn’t believe we have the advantage," McGregor said when asked about the team's position. "I see the squad day in, day out, I watch our training sessions, and I’m fully aware of the hurdles we’ve already overcome this season – the turbulence of changing managers twice, the bounce‑back from a difficult period, and the fact that we have already reached a cup final and are now preparing for another." He went on to highlight the signs of ambition within the group.
"There are plenty of indicators that the players want to win and have the capacity to do so. When the team is under pressure, they have historically delivered big results, and I hope we can replicate that in the next five games." McGregor also touched on the team's mental resilience, noting the frequency of late goals as evidence of a never‑give‑up attitude. "We’ve scored a lot of goals in the dying minutes of matches, which tells you the mentality is there to keep pushing until the final whistle," he explained. "I never walked into a training session thinking the season was over, nor did I ever see any sign in the dressing room that the players had lost belief.
On the contrary, everyone still thinks we can achieve our objectives, and that confidence has been crucial." He praised the character of the squad, saying, "I don’t think anyone can question the resilience or the character of this group – it’s present in abundance." 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 those rumours, McGregor emphasized his commitment to the club and his desire to add more silverware to his collection.
"I’ve always said I want to stay at this club," he affirmed. "I’ve been part of Celtic since I was eight years old; it’s in my DNA, it’s something I carry with me every day. I simply want to ensure the club continues to push for success and to drive forward." When asked whether he envisions ending his playing career at Celtic, McGregor responded positively. "Absolutely.
It’s a two‑way street – if the club believes I still have something to offer, and the club, as I’ve said, wants to keep pushing and staying successful, then this is where I want to play. When you taste success at a club like this, you want to keep it, you want it year after year, and you want to keep striving to perform at the highest level possible." McGregor’s statements come at a pivotal moment for Celtic. The team’s recent form has been a mixture of highs and lows, but the captain’s confidence suggests that the squad’s depth and experience could be decisive in the final stretch of the season. The upcoming match against Falkirk will be the first test after the league splits, offering an early indicator of whether Celtic can close the gap on Hearts and Rangers.
Beyond the immediate fixture, the captain highlighted the broader context of Celtic’s ambitions. The club is competing on multiple fronts, with a cup final already secured and another on the horizon.
Balancing league commitments with cup runs requires a robust squad rotation and a strong mindset, both of which McGregor believes the team possesses. He also reflected on the managerial changes that have taken place this season.
"Changing managers twice could have destabilised us, but instead it has given us fresh ideas and renewed vigor. The players have adapted quickly, and that adaptability is a testament to their professionalism," he noted. In terms of tactics, McGregor praised the coaching staff for instilling a flexible approach that allows Celtic to respond to different opponents. "We’ve been able to adjust our style depending on the situation, whether we need to be more defensive or push forward aggressively.
That tactical versatility is another reason I’m confident we have the edge," he added. Looking ahead, the captain urged fans to stay supportive, emphasizing that the collective effort of players, staff, and supporters will be essential to clinching the title. "The fans are a huge part of our motivation. When they sing and create that atmosphere, it fuels us on the pitch.
We want to give them something to celebrate," McGregor said. In summary, Callum McGregor’s remarks underline a strong belief in Celtic’s capacity to challenge for the Scottish Premiership crown, despite the challenges of a crowded schedule and recent managerial turnover.
His personal commitment to the club remains unwavering, and he appears eager to continue contributing to Celtic’s legacy for as long as he is able. The upcoming fixtures, beginning with the home game against Falkirk, will be crucial in determining whether the Hoops can maintain their momentum and ultimately secure the title they have chased for decades.