McGREGOR’S AIM

CALLUM McGREGOR has fired out a New Year warning: Celtic can’t afford to write off Aberdeen!

The exciting youngster believes the challenge from Pittodrie to derail the Hoops’ target of five successive titles is real.

And he is aware the challengers could have gone to the top of the table if they had beaten Partick Thistle at Pittodrie in midweek.

However, a goalless draw kept Ronny Deila’s men ahead on goal difference with two games in hand.

McGregor said: “I was listening to bits of the Aberdeen game on Wednesday night. I know they’ve had a great season and they’re putting a bit of pressure on us.

“However, it’s always good mentally to go into the New Year top of the league.

“It’s still early in the season and there are a lot of games to be played. I know we’ve had slip-ups which is unlike us, but it’s the same for Aberdeen. They’ll regroup and go again in the New Year.

“They’ve had a great season, so I think their title challenge is genuine.

“We just need to look after our own results and try to go on a run of 15 or 20 games and try to pick up maximum points.

“Of course, we know that can be difficult so we need to try to get everything right in training and preparation and take that into the games to go on that good run.”

McGregor returned to the team as the old year came to an end and scored two goals in six games as well as providing a few assists.

He added: “It has been great. It makes you appreciate it a bit more when you’ve had a spell out of the team. I’m loving every minute of it.

“I’m scoring goals, setting up goals and, hopefully, that will continue.

“I’m happy here, playing every week and I’m just trying to contribute as much as I can to Celtic.

“I feel it has been a good year and a big learning experience. It was sad dropping out the team, but you need to learn to deal with that side of things off the pitch.

“I came back into the team and the goal against Ajax was a high point. It was my first goal at Celtic Park and meant a lot to me, so, overall, it has been a good year.

“I knew if I worked hard in training and did what the manager was looking for I would eventually get my chance again.

“I just want to stay in the starting XI for as long as I can and keep doing well, scoring goals, setting up goals and keep my level of performance.”