Captain Callum McGregor insists that Celtic possess a distinct advantage in the ongoing Scottish Premiership title chase, and he firmly rejected any speculation about leaving the club. The Hoops currently sit in third place, three points adrift of leaders Hearts and two points behind fierce 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, which 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 candid interview.
"I see the Celtic squad every day, I watch our training sessions, and I’m fully aware of the challenges we've already overcome this season – a change of manager twice, battling back from a difficult position, reaching a cup final and now preparing for another." He continued, "There are clear signs that the group wants to win and has the capacity to do so. When the team has been under pressure in the past, we've managed to produce big results, and I expect the same over the next five games." McGregor highlighted the team's resilience, noting the frequency of late goals as evidence of a never‑give‑up 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 character of the squad, adding, "I don't think anyone can question the resilience or the character of this group – it’s abundant." The 32‑year‑old midfielder, who has lifted 24 major trophies with Celtic, was linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah in January, where former manager Brendan Rodgers now works. However, McGregor made it clear his focus remains on adding more silverware to his collection with the Glasgow club. "I've always said I want to be at this club," he affirmed.
"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, and I want to stay here." He emphasized his desire to help the club continue its push for success: "I just want to make sure the club keeps striving, keeps being successful, and keeps driving forward.
The conversations I have with the board show they share that ambition, so for me this is the place I want to play." When asked whether he envisions ending his career at Celtic, McGregor responded enthusiastically: "Absolutely. It’s a two‑way street – if the club believes I still have something to contribute, and the club, as I said, wants to keep pushing and staying successful, then I’m happy to stay." He reflected on the club’s winning culture, noting, "When you’re at a club like Celtic and you taste success, you want to keep it. You want that every season, you want to keep pushing and playing at the highest level possible." Beyond the immediate title race, McGregor’s comments underscore a broader narrative about Celtic’s resilience in the face of adversity. The team has navigated managerial turnover, the disappointment of missing out on earlier league positions, and the pressure of competing on multiple fronts, including domestic cups and European qualifiers.
Their ability to rally late in games, as McGregor highlighted, points to a strong mental fortitude that could prove decisive in the final stretch of the season. Celtic’s upcoming fixtures will test this resolve. The post‑split schedule pits them against a variety of opponents, and each match carries heightened significance as points become scarcer.
McGregor’s confidence in the squad’s character suggests that the players are prepared to meet these challenges head‑on, drawing on the experience of past comebacks and the leadership of senior figures within the dressing room. Fans will be watching closely as Celtic aim to close the gap on Hearts and Rangers. If the team can maintain its late‑goal habit and continue to demonstrate the resilience McGregor describes, they could well reclaim the top spot and add another league title to their storied history. The captain’s unwavering commitment to the club and his dismissal of transfer rumours further reinforce the message that Celtic’s core remains united and focused on achieving success together.
In summary, Callum McGregor believes Celtic have a tangible edge in the title race, cites the squad’s mental strength and late‑goal prowess, and firmly denies any intention of leaving. His words reflect a deep personal connection to the club, a desire to contribute to its continued triumphs, and confidence that the team’s character will see them through the crucial final games of the season.