Captain Callum McGregor insists that Celtic possess a clear advantage in the ongoing Scottish Premiership title race and has firmly rejected any speculation about his own exit from the club. The Glasgow side currently sit third in the league, three points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian and two points adrift of Old Firm rivals Rangers. Celtic, who have amassed 13 championships out of the last 14 seasons, 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 wouldn't be doing my job properly if I didn't believe we have the edge," McGregor said in a recent interview.
"I train with the team every day, I watch how we prepare, and I see the obstacles we've already overcome this season – the turbulence of changing managers twice, the need to bounce back from setbacks, and the pressure of competing in two cup finals. Those experiences have shown me that the squad has a genuine desire to win and the capability to do so." He went on to highlight the team's habit of delivering under pressure, noting that Celtic have frequently produced impressive results when the stakes are high. "I hope we can replicate that resilience over the next five games," he added. McGregor also pointed out the team's knack for scoring late goals, which he believes reflects a winning mentality that refuses to give up.
"I never walked into a training session thinking the season was over, and I never saw any sign in the dressing room that the players had lost belief. On the contrary, everyone still thinks we can achieve our objectives, and that optimism has been crucial," he explained. The captain praised the character and determination of his teammates, saying, "You can't fault the group's resilience or its character – those qualities are in abundance." Despite being linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah – where former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers now works – the 32‑year‑old has made it clear that his focus remains on adding more trophies to Celtic's cabinet.
"I've always said I want to stay at this club," McGregor affirmed. "I've been part of Celtic since I was eight years old; it's in my DNA. I carry that identity with me every day, and I want to keep contributing to the club's success." He emphasized his commitment to the team's ambitions, noting ongoing discussions with the club hierarchy about future plans. "The board wants to keep pushing, keep winning, and keep striving for excellence.
That's exactly where I want to be," he said. When asked whether he envisions ending his playing career at Celtic, McGregor responded positively.
"If the club believes I still have something to offer and they continue to chase success, then I see no reason to go elsewhere. When you taste victory here, you become addicted to it. You want to chase that feeling every season and compete at the highest possible level," he concluded.
McGregor's words come at a pivotal moment for Celtic, as they look to close the gap on Hearts and Rangers while navigating a demanding fixture list that includes two cup finals. The team's recent ability to find late winners has been a hallmark of their season, underscoring a collective belief that perseverance can turn tight matches into triumphs.
With McGregor's leadership and a squad that has already demonstrated resilience in the face of managerial changes and cup pressures, Celtic fans will be hoping that the edge McGregor describes translates into a sustained push for the league crown. The upcoming match against Falkirk offers an early test of that confidence. A strong performance could not only solidify Celtic's position in the top three but also send a clear signal to rivals that the Hoops remain a formidable force despite the challenges of a split‑season format.
As the season progresses, the captain's assertion that the team possesses both the mental fortitude and the technical ability to win will be scrutinized against their results on the pitch. If Celtic can maintain their late‑goal habit and continue to thrive under pressure, the edge McGregor speaks of may indeed prove decisive in the race for the Scottish Premiership title.