CALLUM McGREGOR reckons the Hoops Huddle is crucial in keeping players bonded during a monumental season.
The Scotland international midfielder has revealed the importance of the players remaining united off the pitch in their bid for a historic tenth successive title while aiming to make an impact on Europe.
Neil Lennon’s men were drawn in a tough Europa League group when they were paired with Sparta Prague, AC Milan and Lille in the draw in Nyon, Switzerland, as CQN reported yesterday.
Odsonne Edouard, who was the matchwinner in the play-off against Sarajvo in Bosnia, is likely to lead the line again when the champions head for Dingwall for the Premiership encounter against Ross County tomorrow with a midday kick-off.
The French ace, of course, has been at the centre of intense transfer speculation throughout the summer and McGregor hopes last season’s 28-goal top scorer will still be at the club after Monday’s signing deadline passes.
The anchorman, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “That’s always the danger when there’s a couple of days away from the end of the window, you don’t want these things unsettling players.
“The best business we can do is hold on to our best players, so, hopefully, that is the case come Monday night.
“We always know that if he gets a half-chance then you are always going to back him to score.
“He maybe took a little bit of stick last week, but it’s our job to get around him and keep him happy and keep him confident.
“You saw just how important he is to us again on Thursday night. He gets the goal that takes us to the group stage, so again he is showing just how vital he is to the squad.
“He’s actually been in good spirits. I don’t think he takes too much notice of what goes on around about him. He’s just a good guy and he’s always very happy.”
McGregor added: “Our job, as team-mates and as players, is to keep everyone happy, and that’s what we’re trying to do.
“We’re trying to keep everyone positive and that brings the best out in players to go and give their best on the pitch, which ultimately helps each other.
“We’re a group of guys that are very tight and we’re always getting round each other to make sure we’re all good, happy, and that we keep performing.
“It’s just a case of doing that with Odsonne, as well. We get around him and then he delivers for the boys like he did on Thursday night.”
