Celtic skipper Callum McGregor made his 38th appearance against Rangers last Saturday, making him one of the most seasoned players involved in the modern day fixture.

Led by Brendan Rodgers, coached by John Kennedy and sharing a dressing room with the likes of James Forrest, the 30-year-old midfielder shares his wisdom of the derby with some great company – an experienced group that younger players or those less familiar with the pressures and expectations of playing for Celtic can look up to.

As captain, McGregor's duties have evolved in this space over the last few years. But with a group of colleagues who're now laser-focused on what's now at stake, Celtic's maestro reckons building up to this point is a cultural understanding.

"I think that is the one thing we try and do early when new players come in: make them understand what the football club they are at is, and what the expectation is," McGregor said. "I think it is important that, straight away, they understand the importance of being at a big club and you have to win.

"And, when you arrive in the big moments, it has to become normal for you to deal with the pressure and come through the most difficult moments and be a winner.

"So, hopefully by the time you get to the games, that’s already instilled in them from 10 months of working together and how we behave on and off the pitch. I think it is a real cultural thing and, hopefully, the players are starting to understand that, when they are here, the job is success."

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Having overcome their city rivals 2-1 at Celtic Park on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers' men now find themselves just one point away from silverware with two games to go – Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Wednesday evening, followed by St Mirren at home this Saturday.

McGregor acknowledges the moments during the 2023/24 campaign where things haven't gone Celtic's way, but firmly believes the low points have helped inspire the highs.  

McGregor added: "There’s been difficult moments within the season and I have always said it: the team that reacts to disappointment the best will be the team that goes on to win the league. So we have to try and make sure that is us.

"We have two games to do it and [if we manage it] then for sure, it will be up there with the best achievements."

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