Captain Callum McGregor insists that Celtic possess a decisive edge in the ongoing Scottish Premiership title contest, while also putting to rest any speculation about his own future with the club. The Glasgow side currently sit in third place, three points adrift of league leaders Heart of Midlothian and two points behind their historic rivals Rangers. With a remarkable record of 13 championships in the last 14 seasons, Celtic are set to begin their post‑split schedule on Saturday, hosting Falkirk in a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. "I would be neglecting my responsibilities if I didn’t acknowledge that we have the advantage," McGregor said in a recent interview.
"I train with the squad every day, I watch how we prepare, and I’ve seen the hurdles we’ve already overcome this campaign – the turbulence of changing managers twice, the pressure of fighting back from a difficult position, and the fact that we have already reached a cup final and are now preparing for another." He went on to highlight the team’s hunger and capacity to secure victories. "There are plenty of signs that the players want to win and have the ability to do so.
When we have been under pressure in the past, we have delivered big results, and I expect the same over the next five fixtures," McGregor added. The captain also pointed to Celtic’s knack for late goals as evidence of a resilient mentality.
"We have scored many goals in the dying minutes of games, which shows the squad’s determination to keep pushing until the final whistle," he explained. "I have never walked into a training session thinking the season is over, nor have I ever looked around the dressing room and seen a lack of belief. On the contrary, everyone still thinks we can achieve our objectives, and that confidence has been crucial." McGregor praised the collective character of the group, stating that the resilience and grit displayed by his teammates are abundant. "No one can question the strength of this squad’s character.
It’s something we see every day," he asserted. The 32‑year‑old midfielder, who has lifted 24 major trophies during his time at Celtic, was linked in January with a possible move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah, where former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers now works.
However, McGregor made it clear that his focus remains firmly on adding more silverware to his cabinet while wearing the green and white hoops. "I have always said that I want to stay at this club," he said. "I have been part of Celtic since I was eight years old; it’s in my DNA. It’s something I carry with me every single day, and I want to be here.
My priority is to ensure the club continues to push for success and to drive the team forward." When asked whether he envisions ending his playing career at Celtic, McGregor responded affirmatively. "Absolutely.
It’s a two‑way street – if the club believes I still have something to contribute, and the club, as I mentioned, wants to keep striving for success, then I am happy to stay. When you experience success at a club like Celtic, you develop a taste for it and you want to keep it year after year.
You want to keep challenging yourself at the highest level possible." McGregor’s comments come at a pivotal moment in the season. Celtic’s recent form has been a mixture of solid performances and dramatic comebacks, often securing points in the final stages of matches. This ability to persevere under pressure has become a hallmark of the team’s identity, especially after the managerial upheaval that saw the club replace its head coach twice within a short span. The players have adapted to new tactical approaches, and McGregor believes this adaptability has strengthened their resolve.
Looking ahead, the captain emphasized the importance of consistency over the next handful of games. "We have five matches left in this phase, and we need to keep delivering the kind of performances that have gotten us this far.
The league is tight, and every point matters," he said. "If we maintain our focus and keep that fighting spirit, we can close the gap on Hearts and Rangers and keep our title hopes alive." Beyond the immediate challenges, McGregor reflected on his personal journey with Celtic. Growing up in the club’s youth system, he has witnessed its evolution firsthand, from the early days of his development to the senior squad’s triumphs.
This deep-rooted connection fuels his desire to contribute not only on the pitch but also as a leader who can inspire the next generation of players. In summary, Callum McGregor remains steadfast in his belief that Celtic possess a competitive edge in the title race, and he dismisses any rumors about his departure.
His commitment to the club, combined with his observations of the team’s resilience and ambition, underscores a clear message: Celtic will continue to fight for every point, aiming to add another chapter to their storied history in Scottish football.