Callum McGregor relishing ‘special occasion’ as Celtic prepare to face Cork City

Callum McGregor is relishing Celtic’s first meeting with Cork City in 16 years as Brendan Rodgers’ side step up preparations for the new season with a pre-season friendly at the city’s 45,000-capacity GAA stadium Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

A makeshift Hoops side enjoyed a 1-0 win over Queen’s Park on Friday and some of their more established players are set to get their first outing of the summer in Ireland on Tuesday.

Captain McGregor is looking forward to leading his side out in front of their Irish fan base.

“Obviously, it’s been a while since we’ve been in that part of Ireland,” he said. “It feels so nice to come over and see the fans, let everybody see you in the flesh and hopefully give the best version of ourselves while we prepare for another long season.

“We’re all looking forward to it. It’s a special stadium and we want to go there and put on a show, just show the best of ourselves and hopefully have that connection with the supporters as well.

“When we get to come over (to Ireland) and see everyone in person, then it’s always a special occasion. We just want to come over and try and give the best.”

Celtic’s three Irish players – defender Liam Scales and forwards Adam Idah and Johnny Kenny – are all in the frame to feature in their homeland.

“The expectation at Celtic is enormous for the local lads and for the Irish lads as well that come over, there’s a huge expectation,” said McGregor. “I think everyone in Ireland would give their right hand to play for Celtic so straight away there’s a huge expectation, a huge demand on the guys that come.

“They need a little bit of time to adapt and accept that pressure but I think the boys who have done it have done it amazingly well and are a really strong part of the squad, so that’s testament to them.”