CALLUM McGREGOR faces a fitness race to lead out Celtic against Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday.
The influential onfield leader has been troubled with a calf injury which as seen the midfielder replaced in the past two games against St Mirren (5-2) and Hibs (2-0).
Naturally, the 31-year-old veteran of the Glasgow derby fixture is determined to take his usual place in the team’s engine room with the champions going into the encounter against Barry Ferguson’s side with a 16-point advantage.
McGregor is also looking to atone for the Hoops’ 3-0 flop at Ibrox on January 2 when he admits they “let themselves down.”
The much-decorated skipper, hoping to lead the team to the club’s ninth treble, said: “You would have noticed that I was not with the main group today.
FITNESS FIGHT…Callum McGregor discusses his calf problem with the media. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
“I’m just trying to step it up – I did a bit of individual work with the physio guys. Hopefully, I have no reaction and then I will be all good to train tomorrow.
“If I can train tomorrow, then I will be fit.”
McGregor, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “It’s a calf issue. The club are giving me every chance by leaving it as long as we can to be out on the pitch and ready.
“It has been a tough week, but I’m doing everything I can to be available for the group.”
With Paulo Bernardo out through injury, it could open the way for Luke McCowan to make his first start in the all-Glasgow affair.
The £1million deadline day arrival from Dundee made his Celtic debut as a second-half substitute as his new club romped to a 3-0 success over the team which was managed by Philippe Clement at the time at Parkhead in September.
Arne Engels has taken over the anchorman role in the absence of McGregor and Reo Hatate could complete the midfield trio.
