By the time Celtic and Rangers unleash hell on each other on Sunday, the Gers could be officially out of the title race.
That’s if Hearts beat Motherwell on Saturday evening at Fir Park. But of course, if the Jambos can’t do it, then Celtic will more than happily step up and finish the job.
Callum McGregor has won more titles since his senior debut in 2013 than Rangers have had themselves during that period, so he understands what it takes to get over that finishing line.
While this chaotic Premiership title race has been a three-way battle for the most part, according to McGregor, it’s now a ‘two-horse race’ following Rangers’ defeat at Hearts on Bank Holiday Monday.
And as the Celtic skipper rightfully pointed out, you need a ‘different kind of mentality’ to succeed in these pressure cooker moments, which Danny Rohl’s side couldn’t do after suffering back-to-back defeats during the post-split fixtures.
“But especially when it gets to this point of the season, where it was probably a three-horse race and maybe now a two-horse race,” said McGregor.
“It takes a different kind of mentality and a different kind of attitude to be chasing, knowing that one bad result can knock you out.”
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Callum McGregor says Celtic title win will be ‘right up there’ in his career
Yes, Celtic are the champions of Scotland, and before a ball was kicked, they were expected to clinch the Premiership title again.
But given the mess of this campaign, from Brendan Rodgers’ brutal exit in October to Martin O’Neill returning twice, it has all been a mess from top to bottom.
So, understandably, McGregor was asked where this possible title win would rank in his trophy-laden career.
Speaking to Celtic TV, McGregor mentioned the ‘adversity’ that has run through Parkhead this season, and how winning title number 56 for the club would rank ‘right up there.’
Presenter: “There is probably a feeling that outwith Celtic, a Hearts title win would be almost good for Scottish football.
“But from our point of view, we want Celtic to be as successful as possible. If we were to win the title this season. Where would that rank for you in all your collection of Celtic trophies?”
McGregor: “Like you said, we don’t want to tempt fate. We want to be the team that goes on to lift it, and we will do everything we can.
“I think if we do, it will be a monumental achievement. To be honest, quite often, we have done very good to get to the point where we have almost been comfortable. That, in its own right, is very impressive.
“But especially when it gets to this point of the season, where it was probably a three-horse race and maybe now a two-horse race.
“It takes a different kind of mentality and a different kind of attitude to be chasing, knowing that one bad result can knock you out. If we do go and do it, with all the adversity that we have faced this season, it would definitely rank right up there.”
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