Callum McGregor: Celtic still have a lot of time to salvage the season

Callum McGregor insists Celtic can still save their season despite the Scottish champions’ turbulent start.

The Hoops suffered another European blow after they were thumped 3-1 away at Midtjylland on Thursday.

It was a defeat which leaves them 27th in the 36-team Europa League table, with only four points from their first four matches.

Celtic are nine points behind leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, albeit with a game in hand, and did reach the Premier Sports Cup final after beating Old Firm rivals Rangers at Hampden last weekend.

Martin O’Neill remains in interim charge following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation 11 days ago, with their next assignment Sunday’s home meeting with Kilmarnock.

“It’s been a difficult start and there’s been a lot thrown at us,” admitted Hoops captain McGregor.

“But we’re still in all the competitions. It’s only early November so the challenge is to keep winning and pick up enough points to be where we need to be.

“We still have a long way to go, I think that’s obvious. Nothing’s been solved after what was a really good game at the weekend.”

Celtic were downed in Denmark by three goals in eight first-half minutes through Martin Erlic, Mikel Gogorza and Franculino Dju.

Reo Hatate scored a late penalty but the scoreline flattered the visitors, who were outclassed by the side top of the standings after four wins from four.

“When you come away against a really good side who know what they’re about, it was always going to be difficult,” added McGregor.

“There’s a lot to work on, a lot of growth still left in our team. We know where we are and we know where we want to get to.”

Celtic’s evening got worse when teenage substitute Callum Osmand, who won the spot-kick, was carried off on a stretcher in tears after pulling a hamstring.

“That’s where we’re at just now,” said McGregor. “We’re already stretched with bodies.

“Young Callum came in at the weekend, scored a great goal, and was on top of the world. Now we have to look after him and pick him back up.”