Captain Callum McGregor insists that Celtic possess a distinct advantage in the ongoing Scottish Premiership title battle, while also dismissing the speculation surrounding his own future at the club. Currently occupying third place on the league ladder, the Hoops sit three points behind leaders Hearts and two points shy of their Old Firm rivals Rangers.
Having secured 13 of the last 14 league crowns, Celtic 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. "I don't think I'd be doing my job properly if I didn't believe we have the edge," McGregor said in a recent interview. "I see the Celtic squad every day, I watch our training sessions, and I understand the challenges we've already overcome this season – a bit of adversity, a double managerial change, fighting back from a low point, reaching a cup final, and now preparing for another." He went on to explain that these experiences have forged a mindset focused on winning.
"There are enough signs for me that the group wants to win and has the ability to do so. When the team has been under pressure, they've produced big results, and I hope we can replicate that in the next five games," he added. McGregor highlighted the team's knack for late goals as evidence of their relentless mentality.
"We've scored a lot of late goals, which tells you the mentality is there to keep pushing," he said. "I never walked into a training session thinking we were finished, nor did I ever look around the dressing room and see defeat. Everyone still believes we can achieve our objectives, and that belief has been crucial." He praised the squad's resilience and character, noting that these qualities have been evident in abundance throughout the campaign.
"I don't think anyone can question the resilience or the character of this group. Those traits have been plentiful," McGregor asserted. The captain, who has amassed 24 major trophies during his time at Celtic, was linked in January with a potential move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah, where former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers now works. However, the 32‑year‑old made it clear that his focus remains firmly on adding more silverware to his collection with the Parkhead side.
"I've always said I want to be at this club," McGregor declared. "I joined the academy when I was eight years old.
Celtic is in my DNA; it's something I carry with me every single day. I simply want to ensure the club continues to push for success and keeps driving forward." He added that discussions with the club’s hierarchy indicate a shared desire to keep progressing. "The board wants to keep pushing, they want to stay successful, and I want to be part of that," he explained.
"If the club believes I still have something to contribute, then I'm happy to stay." When asked whether he envisions ending his playing career at Celtic, McGregor responded affirmatively. "Absolutely. It's a two‑way street: if the club thinks I still have something to offer, and they want to keep pushing for success, then I'm happy to stay.
When you taste success at a club like this, you want more of it. You want to chase it every year and strive to perform at the highest level possible," he said.
McGregor's comments come at a pivotal moment in the Scottish Premiership, with the title race tightening and the post‑split phase looming. Celtic’s recent form, highlighted by a series of comeback victories and late‑game winners, suggests they possess the fighting spirit needed to challenge for the crown despite trailing the leaders.
The upcoming match against Falkirk will be a crucial test of their resolve and a chance to close the gap on Hearts and Rangers. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if McGregor's confidence translates into results on the pitch. With his leadership and the squad's demonstrated resilience, Celtic appear poised to mount a serious challenge for the title as the season reaches its climax.