Callum McGregor has spoken of the importance of Celtic nabbing an away win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
67 Hail Hail were in attendance to meet McGregor, as he discussed the captaincy, Celtic’s season and title hopes for 21-22. It was another chance for fan media to meet the captain and Scotland international, in his first season as the Hoops’ captain.
Celtic beat the Dons 2-1, with goals for Kyogo and Jota making the difference. Since then, Celtic have won against Motherwell, Ferencvaros and St Johnstone, in convincing style.
It’s led to an increased feel-good factor around the club, and real optimism for the rest of the season. Asked by 67 Hail Hail’s Hamish Carton whether something special was building at Celtic, McGregor pointed to the Aberdeen win as a significant moment.
The Celtic skipper said to 67 Hail Hail:
“I’ve said it, there’s going to be bumps in the road along the way. And even when we’ve had the little bumps so far, I still see so much potential in this team.
“I see the boys working every day, I see what the manager’s trying to do, and I can sense a real togetherness.
“I think the Aberdeen away victory, that really helped us in terms of a mentality setting, of going away from home. So many young players from different cultures all coming together on that day, I think that was a real big step for us.
“Since then I can sense a mentality change where the boys are really going to motor now I think.”
Callum McGregor is right about Celtic momentum after Aberdeen win
Some moments can really make a title campaign. For example, when Celtic came from behind to beat Motherwell in dramatic style, back in 16-17 [BBC]. Or when Paul Lambert made it 2-0 against Rangers in January 1998.
We have no idea how this season will pan out. But if it’s a successful campaign for the Bhoys, that late Jota goal against Aberdeen will be remembered very fondly.
Celtic weren’t brilliant, but did enough to seal vital away points and stem a tide of bad form away from home. Since then, Ange Postecoglou’s side have looked far more composed out of possession, while still clinical on the ball.
It felt like a big moment at the time. Not least because of the celebrations after the game. But McGregor is absolutely right to point it out as a pivotal moment for the Hoops in 21-22, thus far.
McGregor isn’t alone in seeing the potential of this team. Even if those aforementioned bumpy moments, there was at least solace in knowing there was a vision for these players under this manager.
Supporters are desperate to see it in full bloom. With McGregor’s talking of “motoring on”, there’s room for plenty of positivity about Celtic just now.
Read more: Watch: Celtic loanee Luca Connell scores again for Queen’s Park in League One
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