Callum McGregor: I’m determined to lead Celtic back to top of Scottish football

Callum McGregor distanced himself from any suggestion he might be about to walk out on Celtic in their time of need and stated his determination to lead his team back to the top of Scottish football had never been greater.

The long-serving captain has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah, managed by former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers.

Asked about the speculation, McGregor replied bluntly: “No, no, I’m here.”

Celtic are currently third in the William Hill Premiership, six points adrift of leaders Hearts and have spent most of this season in a state of turmoil, with two permanent managers departing and supporters protesting relentlessly against the club’s hierarchy over a perceived lack of ambition.

McGregor, however, was adamant his desire to continue leading his boyhood team was as strong as ever.

“Even more determined, even more,” the 32-year-old said. “Because of what’s happened. We’ve had a difficult spell, we’re used to winning, then things don’t go your way.

“So, now you have to show everyone that you want to be a winner and you want to stay and you want to fight and you want to make the club successful.”

Apart from the 2020-21 season – when Rangers won the title – Celtic have generally been the dominant force in Scotland throughout McGregor’s time as skipper.

The current three-way title fight with leaders Hearts and second-placed Gers, who are two points above the Hoops, represents a notable shift in dynamic.

“We have to keep believing. Everyone’s here to fight every single day,” McGregor said of his team’s predicament. “It’s tighter probably than potentially what it has been for the last few years, but we have to relish that challenge as well.

“We’ve put ourselves in a difficult position and hopefully we can rectify it.

“But we’ll need everyone – every player, every staff member, every supporter – pushing in the right direction to make sure that we get what we want come the end of the season.”

McGregor was heartened by the “attitude and mentality” Celtic showed to dig out a 2-2 draw at Hearts on Sunday after having Auston Trusty sent off in the 77th minute.

But the skipper was hopeful boss Martin O’Neill would be able to add some further new faces to bolster their title bid before the window closes next Monday.

“Obviously, there’s been a big thing made about it (recruitment), this season especially, but I think every season you need to keep strengthening, keep trying to make the team better and the squad better,” added McGregor.

“So, it’s much the same and obviously everyone knows the situation that we’re in. We do need a little bit of help in terms of quality, in terms of boosting the squad and I’m sure the manager will get the players that we need.”