Callum McGregor praises Rangers Europa run but wants Old Firm revenge
The Celtic captain has urged for cool heads on Sunday
Celtic captain Callum McGregor has praised Rangers Europa League run but has called for his teammates to avenge their recent Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to their rivals by winning Sunday's Old Firm.
The two Glasgow sides are separated by just six points in the league table and McGregor is relishing the most closely-contested title race since he broke into the Celtic first team.
"I would say it is (as close as the two teams have been)," he said. "Both teams are going really well. Rangers are going really well in Europe as well, which shows you they level they're at.
"And that in turn shows the level we're at and the level we're reaching. It's really exciting for Scottish football. These kind of title races are always good for the product of Scottish football."
Rangers face RB Leipzig in the Europa League semi-final first leg this evening.
However, Celtic's full focus is on the final Glasgow Derby of the season, which takes place at Parkhead on Sunday.
The game comes just a fortnight after the Ibrox side edged out the Hoops 2-1 following extra-time in the last-four showdown at Hampden.
The Hoops have a chance to banish that disappointment as victory this weekend would take them nine points clear of their city rivals with a superior goal difference and only three games to play, essentially securing the title.
Asked if the team already viewed themselves as title winners, McGregor cautioned: "No, no. We can't think like that or speak like that. We understand there's a few games to go and we understand the meaning of the game at the weekend.
"We can take a huge step towards it if we perform well and get a victory. That's the full focus. The reason we've been successful is we've taken each game as it's come and given 100 per cent in that game. That's what we'll do at the weekend.
"Obviously it's a huge game. But we also have to stay calm and commit to the way we want to play. We didn't do ourselves justice in the semi-final, so it's as much about trying to rectify that. If we do that and put in a strong performance, everyone else will have a great day."
McGregor was thrilled to be one of four men nominated for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year award on Wednesday. Team-mate Tom Rogic is also in the running, along with Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon and Ross County winger Regan Charles-Cook.
"There are six (Celtic) players in the team of the year as well which shows the level the boys have been playing at," he said. "It's great testament to them. The guys in the other teams have looked at that and seen we're doing something right.
"It's always nice to be recognised by your peers. Our boys have been fantastic and hopefully we can continue that."