Captain Callum McGregor believes Celtic possess a distinct advantage in the ongoing Scottish Premiership championship battle and has firmly dismissed any speculation about his own exit from the club. The Glasgow side currently sit in third place, three points adrift of league leaders Hearts and two points behind their Old Firm rivals Rangers.
Celtic, who have claimed 13 of the last 14 league crowns, are set to 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 edge," McGregor told reporters.
"I see the Celtic squad every day, I watch our training sessions, and I know the hurdles we've already overcome this season – the upheaval of changing managers twice, the fight back from a low point, the fact that we reached a cup final and are now preparing for another." He went on to stress that the signs are clear that the team is hungry for victory and capable of delivering it. "When the pressure is on, the group has historically produced big results, and I hope we can replicate that over the next five games," he added. The captain highlighted 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 late goals, which shows the mentality is there to keep pushing until the final whistle," McGregor said. "I never walked into a training session thinking the season was lost, nor did I ever look around the dressing room and see defeat in the players' eyes. On the contrary, everyone still believes we can achieve our objectives, and that belief has been crucial." He praised the character and perseverance of the squad, stating that no one could fault the group's resilience.
"The character of this group is abundant," he affirmed. McGregor, a 32‑year‑old midfielder who has lifted 24 major trophies with Celtic, was linked in January with a possible move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah, where former manager Brendan Rodgers now works.
However, the captain made it clear that his focus remains on adding more silverware to his collection at Celtic. "I've always said I want to stay at this club," McGregor explained.
"I joined the academy when I was eight years old; Celtic is in my DNA, it’s something I carry with me every day. I want to be here and help the club continue to push for success and drive forward." He added that conversations with the club’s hierarchy confirm their shared ambition. "The board wants to keep pushing, they want to stay successful, and I want to be part of that," he said.
"When you experience success at a club like Celtic, you develop a taste for it and you want to keep it year after year, always striving to play at the highest level possible." When asked whether he envisions ending his playing career at Celtic, McGregor responded affirmatively. "If the club believes I still have something to offer, and the club continues to aim for success, then I see no reason to leave. The desire to keep winning and to keep challenging ourselves is ingrained in the culture here," he remarked. McGregor's comments come at a pivotal moment in the Scottish Premiership, as the league moves into its split phase.
Celtic's recent form has been mixed, but the team has shown a knack for late comebacks and an ability to thrive under pressure—a trait that McGregor believes will be vital in the remaining fixtures. With five games left before the season concludes, every point will be crucial in the chase for the title. The captain also reflected on the broader context of Celtic's recent history. After a period of dominance that saw the club secure 13 out of the last 14 league titles, the competition has tightened, with Hearts and Rangers both mounting serious challenges.
Celtic's ability to adapt to managerial changes—first under Ange Postecoglou and then after his departure—has tested the squad's cohesion, but according to McGregor, the group has emerged stronger. "We've faced adversity, from managerial swaps to the pressure of cup finals, yet we've managed to stay focused and keep our standards high," McGregor said. "That resilience is something we can build on as we push for the title." In addition to the league, Celtic are also competing in domestic cup competitions, with a cup final already secured and another on the horizon.
These knockout matches have provided the team with opportunities to sharpen their competitive edge and maintain a winning mentality. McGregor concluded by emphasizing his personal commitment to Celtic's future.
"I want to stay here for as long as I can, to help the club achieve its goals and to inspire the next generation of players coming through the academy," he declared. "Celtic is more than just a club to me; it's my home, my family, and my identity." The captain's words underline a clear message: despite external rumors and the fierce competition in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic's leadership and players remain united in their pursuit of further triumphs, with McGregor at the forefront, determined to write the next chapter of the club's storied legacy.