“It probably will go down to the last couple of games,” Callum McGregor

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The Celtic Star

·28 January 2026

“It probably will go down to the last couple of games,” Callum McGregor

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has acknowledged that standards must rise significantly if the club are to keep their title hopes alive…

Callum McGregor applauds the Celtic fans after the Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Celtic at Tynecastle Park on January 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

The Celtic midfielder accepts the team face a challenging scenario as the season moves into its decisive phase. A score draw against Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday has left the reigning champions six points adrift of the league leaders with only 15 fixtures still to play.

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The dropped points have also allowed the latest Ibrox club to climb into second place, pushing Martin O’Neill’s side down to third in the table.

Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates during the Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Celtic at Tynecastle on January 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Drawing on his experience of previous title races, McGregor insists the squad must remain united and mentally strong during the run-in. At the same time, he stressed that producing consistent results will be essential if they are to close the gap on the Jambos.

When asked whether near-flawless form would be required over the remaining matches, the skipper agreed, saying he had already made that point earlier in the week.

Speaking via Daily Record, McGregor said: “Yeah, I think so. I think I said that during the week. I think if everyone’s sensible about it, it probably will go down to the last couple of games. We know where we are, we know where we need to be and on Sunday we had to stay in touch.”

Callum MCGregor at Tynecastle. Hearts v Celtic, 25 January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“Obviously, you know the games that you have to get something from. Sunday was a game we had to get something from and now you need to be pretty much there or thereabouts and, obviously, other results will determine that, but we can only focus on what we can do.”

“We have to keep believing, everyone’s here to fight every single day. It’s tighter probably than potentially what it has been for the last few years, but we have to relish that challenge as well.”

McGregor added: “We’ve put ourselves in a difficult position and hopefully we can rectify it, but we’ll need everyone. Every player, every staff member, every supporter.”

“We need everyone pushing in the right direction to make sure that we get what we want come the end of the season.”

Callum McGregor and James Forrest of Celtic lift the League trophy after the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic FC and St Mirren FC at Celtic Park on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The emergence of Hearts as genuine contenders has turned the title contest into a three-team fight rather than the usual duel between Celtic and theRangers. However, McGregor played down the significance of the added competition, suggesting it does not alter Celtic’s approach or mindset.

The skipper said: “No, I think you just have to look after yourself.”

“Obviously, I think the games are all big between now and the end of the season, so all we can do is prepare properly and, when we get to the games, we need to try everything we can to make sure we win them and win enough of them to win the league.”

Callum McGregor and the players of Celtic pose for a photo as they lift the Premier Sports Cup following the Premiership match between Celtic FC and St Mirren FC at Celtic Park on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

And a quick reminder…

It’s the last few days of the Half Price January sale at Celtic Star Books. Every book ordered is now just £10 and p&p is only charged on the first book at £4.50. So ordering three books will cost a total of £34.50 and given you a £30 saving. Order at celticstarbooks.com/shop

All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…

These books now available at at HALF PRICE in our January sale – click on image to order…

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Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?