Callum McGregor shares why he’s a ‘little bit different’ when it comes to Celtic pre-season training

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Celtic are back for the 2025/26 season.

The first-team squad were present and correct on Friday morning as they returned to Lennoxtown for the first day of pre-season training.

They will be put through their paces with intense sessions on the pitch and in the gym before their first friendly next week against Queen’s Park.

McGregor was seen in official footage released by Celtic working hard in the gym, as well as catching up with old teammate Ross Doohan.

• READ MORE: ‘I’m not daft’ – Chris Sutton explains why he thinks Celtic fans are feeling ‘edgy’ as pre-season kicks off

McGregor ‘quite enjoys’ returning for Celtic pre-season

McGregor was then part of a session on the pitch before heading inside for an interview with Celtic TV to discuss being back after the summer break.

The skipper said: “Yeah, obviously it’s been a long summer. Longer than what I am used to anyway. But over the last few days, you are just eager to get back in and get back on it.

‘You always have that excitement about what a new season can bring, with the opportunities and possibilities.’

“So, it’s nice to get away, refresh and take stock a little bit. Once you drive through the gate this morning, you are back to work, and the serious stuff starts now. So, we’re looking forward to it!”

Many players hate the return of pre-season, but that’s not the case for McGregor, who was up early on Friday and raring to go. Subsequently, he thinks he’s a bit different from his teammates.

Celtic’s third-most decorated player ever admitted: “I might be a little bit different. I quite enjoy pre-season. I was up at 7 o’clock this morning, ready to go and champing at the bit to get out the door.

“I think nowadays, pre-season the bedding in period is probably a little bit easier, like getting straight into running to be sick.”

“The game has changed a little bit since then. It’s the guys in the medical department who do all the screening to make sure everybody is okay.

“We had a light break-in session this afternoon, and then on Saturday the double sessions start. So, ask me again on Monday.”

Celtic’s pre-season 2025 schedule

The Hoops play Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden on July 4 before flying over the Irish Sea to play Cork City at the SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Then it’s the warm weather training camp in Portugal featuring two games, before the big one at Celtic Park against Newcastle United.

Celtic’s pre-season schedule ends in Italy with the Como Cup.