Callum McGregor shares what he’ll tell his teammates in Celtic huddle ahead of Rangers kick-off

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The return to form of Celtic captain Callum McGregor against Hearts was one of the most pleasing talking points coming out of the weekend win.

McGregor has been struggling with injury and fitness issues over the last couple of months and that has understandably been a worry for supporters. However, after adjusting his training routines, everything is moving in a positive direction again.

The midfielder was back to his combative best against the Jam Tarts with Brendan Rodgers learning all he needs to know about his readiness for the upcoming match at home to Rangers.

The captain is almost guaranteed to be in the starting eleven for this one and will be the man delivering the final pre-match message to players as part of the traditional huddle.

Callum McGregor on his Celtic team talk vs Rangers

Asked by Celtic TV what he’d be telling his teammates just before kick-off, as thousands roar around him, McGregor said: “We’ve just got to stay calm and focus on doing our jobs. Sometimes you can become over-emotional and you understand what the game means in the context of the season.

“If we focus on performance and working as hard as we possibly can for each other and the supporters then straight away the energy level goes up. I think when take the game to a level and intensity that teams struggle to live with, that’s when we play our best football.

“I think that’s the message for us – focus on ourselves, work as hard as we possibly can for each other and let’s go take the game to them and see what they’ve got.”

Celtic must show confidence and bravery

Celtic head into this fixture knowing that the away side desperately need a win. A draw doesn’t do much for them with the Bhoys three points clear at the top of the table.

Rodgers’ side also have a strong record against the Ibrox outfit this season with two wins and a draw under their belts.

This will all breed confidence in the team in the opening moments but that can’t spill over into complacency.

McGregor and the players must ensure they attack the game, show bravery and put Rangers on the back foot. There’s no playing for a draw here despite the circumstances.

If Celtic start strongly and motivate the crowd then they’ll be hard to stop.