CALLUM McGREGOR is one game away from completing a hat-trick of trophies as Celtic captain.
However, the Hoops’ onfield leader insists it is NOT about personal glory as he prepares to take his players into tomorrow’s Viaplay League Cup Final against Michael Beale’s Ibrox outfit at Hampden.
McGregor replaced club legend Scott Brown at the launch of the Ange Postecoglou era in the summer of 2021.
The former owner of the armband opted for an ill-fated stay at Aberdeen as player-coach at the completion of his contract.
PRIZE GUY…Callum McGregor with last season’s League Cup.
The incoming manager had no hesitation in appointing McGregor to the exalted position and the 29-year-old anchorman responded in the anticipated fashion by embracing the task.
The League Cup – then in the guise of the Premier Sports Cup – was won in December 2021 and, of course, the midfielder was to the forefront as the tenth title in 11 years followed, sealed in a 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice in May.
Now McGregor is ready for the latest challenge and he says: “My personal self doesn’t come into it at all, we will get the rewards as a team if we turn up and do the right things.
“The full focus is on the players and what we have to do. When there are trophies on the line it’s always sweet if you can get them. To play Rangers in the Final does add a special feeling to it, but, as players, we have to approach it in the same way.
“We haven’t changed our approach whatever the competition is or if it’s home or away, it doesn’t matter, and we will do that again because it’s all about how we prepare and we won’t have an eye on who the fixture is against.”
McGregor, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “Of course, it’s a big game and a showpiece occasion so everyone is looking forward to it.
“We’ve prepared really well over the week and come Sunday we will be ready to go.
“In Cup Finals, you have to play well, but the main thing for us is to stay focused and continue what we’ve been doing.
ON THE BALL…Callum McGregor in command.
“Everyone knows it’s a big game and a game of consequence, and I’ve always said that as a football player, you want to be involved in big games where things are on the line.
“That excites you as a player, but I believe you need to have a process and you need to trust in it to get you success.
“In terms of preparation, you’re excited and looking forward to the game, but you have to stick to a process throughout the week.
“The team is in good rhythm and form, so if we bring that to the game along with our other qualities and we stay calm then I think we will be okay.”
The Hoops skipper added: “Our focus is always on the next game and that’s our biggest.
“It’s important in the context of the season if we can go on and be successful then it gives us a bounce to continue the rest of the season and try and be as successful as we can.”
