Despite having over a decade of first-team experience under his belt at Celtic, Sunday’s thrilling 3-1 win over Rangers will surely rank among the very best of Callum McGregor’s storied career.
Given everything that was surrounding the game, Celtic wanting to put the Premiership title in their hands, this was a huge three points, topped up by Daizen Maeda’s stunning overhead kick.
McGregor got front row seats to it all, as Maeda showcased that he is probably one of Celtic’s biggest enigmas in recent times.
But despite it being a troublesome campaign for the Japan star, he has come to life during these post-split fixtures, and his captain wanted to give him his flowers.
“Unbelievable,” said McGregor about Maeda’s overhead kick.
“He just keeps getting better and better. The first finish, trademark. Then the second one, he is on cloud nine, sits up well for him, and what a finish.”
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Callum McGregor hails ‘special’ occasion as Celtic beat Rangers
There are still two huge games to go: Motherwell away at Fir Park on Wednesday night, and then Hearts at home for the final day of the season.
Win both, and Martin O’Neill has guided Celtic to the Premiership title during a campaign that has seen it all.
Everyone has seen and heard the discontent of the Celtic fans towards the board, but it has been turned on its head during the post-split fixtures.
Celtic’s win over Falkirk was the start of it all, including the return of the Green Brigade.
That’s why McGregor, when speaking to Sky Sports Football after the derby, hailed the ‘special’ atmosphere inside the stadium and how you could feel it.
“Huge win,” said McGregor. “Listen, they all are, especially the home games here.
“Big expectation to go and win the game. I think the manner in which we did it was outstanding, considering the circumstances and the context of the season.
On Maeda: “Unbelievable. He just keeps getting better and better. The first finish, trademark. Then the second one, he is on cloud nine, sits up well for him, and what a finish.
“You could feel the atmosphere in the stadium. It was something special, for sure.”
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