Celtic captain Callum McGregor has given an honest account of his side’s success under Brendan Rodgers after they secured a third successive league title last night.
On an evening full of party-filled scenes, the Bhoys stepped up to produce a magnificent 5-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, proving why they deserve the tag of being the finest team in Scotland.
McGregor is the face of Celtic alongside Rodgers, and at times this season, their club have come under scrutiny when performances and results have fallen below expectation; however, I don’t think you could look either in the eye and doubt their credentials as serial winners.
The manager famously coined the term ‘we will write our own story’ in the face of narratives formed by others that the Scottish Premiership trophy could be headed elsewhere this campaign. That went well, didn’t it?
In all seriousness, Rodgers has led his side to yet another piece of silverware despite the noise, and Celtic will be automatically entered into the group stages of the new Champions League format, receiving a significant cash injection coupled with the chance to take on Europe’s elite.
Leading by example, McGregor has once again hammered home his appreciation for the support after Celtic won the title, though he has also fired back at a few who doubted the champions along the way.
Callum McGregor on Celtic being written off ‘externally’
Speaking to STV News last night, McGregor said following the welcome the players were given once the team bus returned to Parkhead: “This is amazing. This club is special. When you win for this club, you look at the appreciation.
“Everybody is at work tomorrow, and they are out in their numbers to celebrate another league title. So it’s amazing, for the players who haven’t experienced it before, to see the size of the club and what you can achieve when you have success here.”
He later added when asked if the achievement was one of his sweetest ever: “Yeah, for sure it’s up there. Difficult moments throughout the season, externally a lot of people writing us off.
“We had to show resilience, we had to show togetherness. And we knew once we got up to speed, and got going, then we had a really good squad and a really strong team. So, it’s about just been able to prove that and I think we’ve done that in the big games, so far.
“We’ve managed to get over the line, but of course we know there’s one more to go. Obviously the game on Saturday we’ll enjoy that. But we then have the cup final and we want to finish strong as well.”
Celtic will be desperate to finish off with Scottish Cup glory
Celtic won Scotland’s main prize yesterday, that is undeniable. However, no trophy the club contests should be viewed as any less significant, making it imperative the Bhoys finish off the season with Scottish Cup silverware.
Rangers stand in the way and are determined to stop Rodgers from getting his hands on a double, setting the scene for a ferocious battle at the national stadium.
For now, Celtic will enjoy their final Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren this weekend, lifting the league title in the process before the hard work begins ahead of the powderkeg clash at Hampden.