Celtic skipper Callum McGregor believes there is still room for improvement as the squad prepares to resume league duties this weekend…
Callum McGregor of Celtic is presented with the Adidas Trophy by Roy Aitken after Celtic defeat Newcastle United 4-0 during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Brendan Rodgers’ side will face St Mirren as they celebrate the start of the season by unveiling their latest league title triumph last campaign. Celtic wrapped up their pre-season matches on Saturday night with a penalty shootout win against Asian champions Al Ahli, following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.
Speaking to Celtic TV post-match, McGregor said: “Pre-season has been good. Every season throws up different challenges of trying to get up to speed, trying to integrate new players and find the rhythm of the team.”
“At times it’s looked really good and there are always bits we can brush up on. It’s been a good five or six-week block. The boys have worked really hard. Everyone knows the objectives and we’re ready to go. The big test for us will be next week.”
McGregor added: “We’ll be ready for St Mirren. We know that they always give you a tough game. You always have to try and get on the front foot early doors and impose yourself.”
COMO, ITALY – JULY 26: Celtic FC team line up during the Como Cup match between Al-Ahli and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“The start of the week will be nice and chilled, and then we’ll ramp it up as we go. We’ve been here a million times, so we know to expect. The players know what’s expected of them as well, so come Sunday we have to be ready.”
Celtic return to Lennoxtown today as they get ready for the competitive season beginning on Sunday afternoon at Paradise.
Celtic linked with a move for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey
Meanwhile, Celtic have reportedly submitted a loan bid for Manchester City centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Salford City at Etihad Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Manchester. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
The 19-year-old defender has recently emerged as a transfer target for the Scottish champions with several Championship teams in England also expressing interest in the ex-England U18 international.
With Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki departing as well as doubts lingering around Stephen Welsh’s future, a centre-back seems to be a priority position for the club.
Conor Spence
Today we remember David Potter
David Potter at the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden, Celtic 2 Hearts 1, 25 May 2019. Photo The Celtic Star
Today we remember David Potter, who passed away two years ago today. We want to say thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered David’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books.
Celtic legend Danny McGrain has written a wonderful foreword for the book and we will have a limited number of copies available that will be signed by Danny McGrain – if you have already pre-ordered your copy of Celtic in the Eighties you will be getting a signed copy. If you would like to receive a signed copy by Danny McGrain please order now as the number of signed books will be limited.
David’s widow Rosemary has also written a ‘thank you message’ to the Celtic support for David’s last book. It’s a wonderful tribute to David from his wife on behalf of his entire family that extends right out to his Celtic family. That’s you, me and everyone else reading this or anyone who has Celtic in their hearts.
The link to pre-order your copy of Celtic in the Eighties, signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain is below. Celtic in the Eighties is a fitting way for David Potter to sign off as one of Celtic ‘s foremost historians. We think you’ll love it.
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.
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