Celtic v theRangers – Callum McGregor scores Celtic’s third goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park on Sunday September 1, 2024. Photo Steve Welsh
Zombie Q: Your record against (the)Rangers in 90 minutes, do you think that needs to be addressed soon, as in this weekend?
Celtic v theRangers – Callum McGregor celebrates scoring Celtic’s third Celtic goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park, Sunday September 1, 2024. Photo Steve Welsh
Callum McGregor: “So, I think probably from that point, you then go back a while, and then it was pretty good. Maybe the last three or four games have not been great, but you have to find a way to win the game. If you want to get to the final, you have to beat whoever’s in front of you, and it is (the)Rangers this time, so I’m sure the guys will be working hard to come up with the game plan. (the)Rangers have done a few different things over the last couple of games. They’re slightly new as well. We have a new manager, so I don’t think anyone quite knows exactly what to expect from the game. For sure, the players will be there. They’ll be super competitive, and we can draw on the positive experiences that we’ve had. Hopefully, we get there and we do a lot right in the game to get us through to where we want to be, which is the final.”
Callum McGregor applauds the Celtic support. Celtic’s 6-0 win against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Saturday 28 September 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Q: You have been so dominant against (the)Rangers over your career. As you touched on, the last three or four haven’t been the results you’ve been looking for. Do you think that’s because… Is it down to your level, or do you feel that (the)Rangers have played above themselves recently in these matches?
Callum McGregor: “I think it’s whoever performs on the day, to be honest. I think it’s two really good teams, two good squads, well-matched. The game is what the game is. It’s on the edge. Whoever plays at home generally has the advantage. There has been a lot of change for both teams. So, I think it might be the team that is more stable and makes fewer mistakes in the game. It will probably be a game of moments. So, we have to try and make sure that we do enough right in the game to edge that probability towards ourselves. If we can be clinical in the moments that we get, then we’re hoping for a positive outcome.”
Callum McGregor with the Premier Sports Cup after Celtic’s victory over theRangers on 15 December 2024 at Hampden Park. Photo Kenny Ramsay
Q: Is this the perfect opportunity you’re looking for? The win on Wednesday was important, but just to get positivity in the club and togetherness that you’re looking for as well in terms of a semi-final against (the)Rangers?
Callum McGregor: “Probably, like I said, this is the perfect game. You’re looking at all the different competitions, and you want to be successful in them all. The next game is the most important, and this is where we are now. We’re a couple of days away from a big semi-final, and both teams have undergone a bit of change, so you think whoever can win the game. If it’s us, it can give everyone a lift, it can give the supporters a lift, the players, the manager, the club a lift. So, these are the types of games that you have to win if you want to be here for a long period of time.”
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, signed copies by Danny McGrain available from celticstarbooks.com
Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book. Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.
Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star
Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books
Well said Calum I said this for years ! Brendan created this normalisation Al.ost of Trebles! He showed what Celtic always have been! Losets like lennon lost 6 out of 7 at hampden!! Yes take that in! Whereas Brendan made a point of drumming home that’s not acceptable, to the extent we demolished everyone there 11 out of 11 and it be 12 if not for one first goalkeeping mistakes in our history!! Brendan best since big Jock fact!! We are here now cause of a board that want to hoard money at the expense of our team , that’s a fact! Their media messengers kept going on about 26 million on engkes, trusty and idah but we brought in more selling oreillly and those 3 players played their part in champions league and winning the double!! If that bustards had back Brendan we be in champions league and clear at the top of that I have no doubt! They create the malaise and disharmony
Few typos but you all get me. Hail Hail let’s hammer that poison on Sunday!