Captain Callum McGregor insists that Celtic possess a distinct advantage in the ongoing Scottish Premiership title chase, and he firmly rejected any speculation about his own future at 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. With a remarkable record of 13 championships out of the last 14 seasons, Celtic are set to begin their post‑split fixtures on Saturday, hosting Falkirk in a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. "I wouldn't 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’m fully aware of the challenges we have already overcome this season – the upheaval of changing managers twice, the comeback from a difficult position, and the fact that we have already reached a cup final and are heading into another." He went on to stress that the team’s desire to win is evident in their performances. "There are plenty of signs that the players want to win and that they have the quality to do so. When we are under pressure, we have a habit of delivering big results, and I hope we can continue that trend over the next five games," McGregor added.
The captain highlighted the importance of late goals as a marker of the squad’s mentality. "We have scored a lot of goals in the dying minutes of matches, which shows the mindset 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 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. McGregor praised the resilience and character of the group, describing them as abundant. "I don't think anyone can criticize the resilience or the character of this team.
Those qualities are present in abundance," he said. Having amassed 24 major trophies with Celtic, McGregor was linked with a possible move to Saudi Arabia's Al Qadsiah, where former manager Brendan Rodgers now works, during the January transfer window. However, the 32‑year‑old captain made it clear that his focus remains on adding more silverware to his collection while wearing the green and white hoops.
"I have always said I want to stay at this club," McGregor affirmed. "I have been part of Celtic since I was eight years old. It is part of my DNA, something I carry with me every single day. I simply want to ensure the club continues to push for success and to drive forward.
He also noted ongoing discussions with the club’s hierarchy, indicating that both parties share a mutual desire to keep progressing. "We are having conversations with the board, and they want to keep pushing, they want to stay successful.
For me, this is the place I want to play," he said. When asked whether he envisions ending his playing career at Celtic, McGregor responded affirmatively.
"Yes, absolutely. It’s a two‑way street – if the club believes I still have something to contribute and the club wants to keep striving for success, then I am happy to stay. When you taste success at a club like Celtic, you want to keep that feeling alive. You want to chase titles every year and keep competing at the highest level possible," he explained.
McGregor’s comments come at a pivotal moment in the season, as Celtic aim to close the gap on Hearts and Rangers. Their recent form has been characterized by a series of comeback victories and late‑game heroics, underscoring the belief that the team possesses the mental toughness required to challenge for the championship. The upcoming match against Falkirk will be a crucial test of the squad’s resolve.
A win would not only narrow the distance to the league leaders but also reinforce the captain’s assertion that Celtic have the edge in the title race. Fans will be watching closely, hoping that the resilience and character highlighted by McGregor translate into tangible results on the pitch. Beyond the immediate league battle, Celtic are also competing in two domestic cup competitions, with one final already behind them and another on the horizon.
The club’s ability to juggle multiple fronts will be a key factor in determining whether they can sustain their challenge for another league crown. In summary, Callum McGregor remains unwavering in his commitment to Celtic, dismissing any rumors of a departure and emphasizing the team’s psychological strength, late‑goal habit, and overall desire to win. His confidence in the squad’s capacity to produce big results under pressure reflects a broader optimism that Celtic can still mount a serious challenge for the Scottish Premiership title as the season reaches its decisive stages.