Callum McGregor ready to put in hard yards as Celtic gear up for hectic schedule

Celtic captain Callum McGregor is geared up for what his manager termed an “ultra-marathon” after leading the way in the Champions League running stakes.

Nobody has run further than McGregor in the opening four matches of Europe’s elite club tournament with the midfielder covering 50.5km so far.

The 31-year-old former Scotland midfielder will get some rest this week before embarking on an intense period which will see Celtic play 20 games in 10 weeks after the international break.

When his running stats were brought up, McGregor said: “I’ve always been not bad at that one.

“No, listen, it is what it is, what football is these days, it’s a running game. You’ve got to look after yourself, and the boys are in a really good place, so we just try and stay on that as much as we can.

“When you look at the games, obviously November, December, January as well, I think there’s nine or 10 games in January alone.

“So you’ve got to be ready, you’ve got to be ready to play, the team, the squad, everyone, this little period is so important for us.”

Celtic go into the break in a strong position, top of the William Hill Premiership on goal difference from Aberdeen, who they drew with in the league but thrashed 6-0 in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals. Rodgers’ side have won 15 games, drawn two and only lost to Borussia Dortmund so far this season.

“It’s been a really positive start, obviously drawing one game, probably should have won that as well to be honest,” McGregor said of their league campaign.

“It’s been a strong start, but we’re only one third of the way there, so there’s two thirds to go, and a lot of work to be done. So we’re happy with where we are at the minute, but we know that we can always get better.

“There’s a long, long way to go, a lot of football to be played, so we’ve been over the course before, we know what’s required.”

McGregor’s cross drifted into the net to give Celtic the lead at Kilmarnock on Sunday before Nicolas Kuhn sealed a 2-0 win with his 10th goal of the season.

The German winger has also provided 11 assists to leave McGregor to wax lyrical about his team-mate’s form.

“Unbelievable,” he said. “His form has been incredible, especially for a young wide player. Sometimes it can fluctuate a little bit, but since the start of the season, I think probably since that Man City game in pre-season, he’s been unplayable, and his numbers obviously back that up as well.

“So he’s in brilliant form, and when you’ve got someone like that at the top of the pitch, you know he can relieve pressure for you and get big goals.”