TITLE TALK
I love to fight and battle in a derby clash with Rangers – let’s see what they’ve got says Celtic hero Callum McGregor
The Hoops skipper has laid down the gauntlet ahead of this weekend's huge derby fixture
CALLUM McGREGOR has told Rangers: Let’s see what you’ve got.
The Celtic skipper can’t wait for Saturday’s Old Firm crunch.
2
2
Brendan Rodgers’ champions can get within touching distance of the title with a Parkhead win over Philippe Clement’s side.
McGregor said: “We’ve just got to stay calm and focus on doing our job. Sometimes you can become overly emotional and you understand what the game means in the context of the season.
“But if we focus on our performance, and working as hard as we possibly can for each other and the supporters, then you know straight away the energy level goes up.
“When we take the game to a level and intensity that teams struggle to live with, that’s when we play out best football.
READ MORE OLD FIRM STORIES
“So the message for us is focus on ourselves, work as hard as we can, and let’s go and take the game to them and see what they have got.”
McGregor, 30, has massive derby experience to call on, and is itching for his next taste of the Old Firm rivalry.
He added: “I love them. I think if you don’t enjoy them, then you’re going to struggle to play at a big club like this.
“You’ve got to enjoy the fight and the battle of it and generally, when you do that, then you have positive experiences.
Most read in Football
“The supporters are vitally important for us. When the place is rocking, the football’s good.
“It’s very difficult to beat that atmosphere.
Todd Cantwell and Callum McGregor confrontation sparks Old Firm full-time fracas as Rangers and Celtic stars clash
“It’s about the players getting the crowd going, starting the game quickly and bringing the support into the game.
“And if we do that, then we marry the two together and hopefully make it a difficult day for them.”
Celts beat Hearts 3-0 last weekend and McGregor insists Rodgers’ side are now ready for Gers.
He said: “It was an excellent performance.
“There was a real good tempo, some great football, and if it wasn’t for big Zander Clark, there may have been more goals as well.
“Confidence is good and we’ve just focused on our training this week.
“It’s the same message — just focus on what you are doing, take everything that we’ve got and give it everything, and hopefully we get a positive result.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page