CALLUM McGREGOR admitted he reckoned his stoppage-time strike against St Mirren in Paisley had “a pretty good chance” of hitting the net behind Shamal George.
The Celtic captain’s optimisim wasn’t misplaced as his 25-yard rocket thundered high into the net for what could be a priceless winner in a pivotal weekend.
As the champions celebrated a hard-fought victory in the Premier Sports League Cup Final dress rehearsal at Hampden on Sunday December 14, the following day saw league leaders Hearts lose 1-0 to Aberdeen at Pittodrie to leave them four points ahead while the Hoops have a game in hand.
PICK IT OUT…Callum McGregor lashes in the stoppage-time winner in Paisley.
McGregor hopes his fourth goal of the campaign will prove to be the foundation from which the team can launch themselves into a winning sequence.
The influential onfield leader said: “As soon as I hit the ball, I knew I had a pretty good chance so I’m delighted with that.
“It’s a big moment, obviously, and it can be a big moment to galvanise the group and the supporters and everyone moving forward for what is a tough week.
“We want to come out of the week with maximum points and that’s the first three.
“If you keep winning games, that breeds confidence. It’s small steps in terms of where the team has been, there’s been a lot of change and disruption, and it’s important the players just stay focused on what we’re doing, a game at a time.
“The league is a long, long season so these games are really important and if you can win them, it can give you a real springboard.
“The players are working so hard and it’s just one step at a time and we’ve just got to stay focused.”
PRIZE GUYS…Callum McGregor and Liam Scales celebrate the late points-clincher.
Reflecting on the team’s second late, late win over the Saints after Luke McCowan’s 87th-minute winner at Parkhead on the first day of the league season in August, McGregor, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “It was a tough game, it always is.
“St Mirren are a good side and they’ve reached the Cup Final because they’re a good team.
“So, you come here and you’ve got to expect to fight in small margins in the game. It was similar at Celtic Park, so they know what they’re doing and they’re a really well-organised side.”
Looks like the showpiece at the national stadium next month will go all the way to the wire. Again!
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