Mackay-Steven wants European adventure

Speaking at today’s New Balance kit launch, Celtic winger Gary Mackay-Steven described how he discovered that Celtic were champions. The player who arrived at the club in January from Dundee United alongside Stuart Armstrong said: “I was back through in Edinburgh at my sister’s and I was having dinner at the time. We have a group chat at Celtic with all the boys and it was Craig Gordon who first saw the result and messaged saying the boys are champions.

“It was definitely a nice feeling. I didn’t text any of the United boys but I saw a few of them at the PFA Awards and there were obviously some congrats from them. It was nice to see them winning too.

“It felt amazing. Obviously that’s one of the main reasons I came here, to win trophies, and to get my first one is really special. It is a little surreal and I think it’ll hit home when we collect the trophy on the last day of the season.

“It will be incredible just to have a medal and have the trophy. It’ll be a weird feeling but I can’t wait for that day.

“Coming when I did in the January transfer window it was really important to establish myself in the next few months and really hit the ground running.

“I wanted to contribute to the league and feel like I had done that if we won the trophy. That was important to me. I feel really happy here and settled and the boys have been great with me.

“I think I have improved. Every manager you play under wants you to play slightly differently and I had to buy into what the manager here wants so for sure it has made me a better player and I’m really excited for next season.

“You need the training with the boys to get used to their styles of play and for them to get used to you. Now the manager has a wealth of options in every position and there is so much talent here that you need to grab your chance with both hands and show what you can do.

“I feel it has been a nice period for me but looking ahead to next season there is so much to play for and we’ll need to hit the ground running.”

Mackay-Steven is already looking forward to more European action after that match against Inter Milan in February whetted his appetite for these big occasion matches.

“That was incredible to be a part of and taste first-hand the European football nights at Celtic Park. They’re special and we want to do well in the Champions League qualifiers and hopefully bring Champions League football back here.”