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Callum McGregor is very happy to return to a Celtic role he considered as smart as any he has been a part of at Ibrox.
But he was frustrated because a remarkable functionality didn’t make his team lose sight of it before it was recovered by the Rangers. McGregor recovered from his Achilles injury to take his place on the bench before coming on as a second-half replacement. From the touchline, the captain was hugely inspired by the spectacle as Celtic took a two-goal lead at half-time.
McGregor on the pitch as they tied 2-0 and 3-2 with his offside pass and deflection contributing to the home side’s first equaliser through Abdallah Sima. He said: “The functionality of the equipment is as smart as what I’ve noticed here. In terms of functionality, composure and composure, the football we play is exceptional. The only complaint is that we may not get the third objective to give us more comfort in the game.
“In the second half, we showed an intelligent personality to overcome the difficult moments as well. We played with a lot of power and wonderful skill and the only complaint we have is that we didn’t lead by 3 or 4 points, not even in the middle. -Time, because we were very smart in the game.
“The midfield is very good, but the team in general is exceptional. We had the confidence to play on the course and we were also a real risk on the field.
“Sometimes you have to look at the big picture. It’s a tough game when you come here and the sadness will probably be that we drew after being so positive and smart in the game.
“There’s a little bit of sadness on the bus for sure, but let’s dust ourselves off and look at the robbery. The positive thing is that the boys were very good. We played with a lot of personality and quality and we managed to get out of here in a positive position.
McGregor had this game from the moment he got information about his injury. The captain came out in a win over Dundee in February and missed four games.
McGregor said: “It’s a wonderful game when you come here. You have to get involved and help the organization as much as you can. I was never given it from the beginning, but I wanted to be here and if I had missed the game I would have been devastated.
“Obviously, those decisions are up to the coach. I spoke to him on Friday and he called me. That’s good.
“It’s about the team, it’s never about me personally or my preference for playing. It’s about what’s most productive for the team and helping the guys as much as possible.
“There’s a lot of breathing room there, right? It feels smart to be back.
“You know the game is going to change at some point when you come here. They’re also a team, they move the ball forward and once the crowd cares about the game, it can be tough.
McGregor downplayed the past Rammy as it pertains to Rangers star Todd Cantwell. He said: “It’s just two passionate groups looking to win the game. Sometimes it overflows but it’s nothing.
Instead, he aims to play his part for the rest of the campaign, which includes a final Old Firm league game at Celtic Park. He said: “We’ll see how it goes. I’ve still had very little education. “I’m just checking the output to catch up and play as many games as I can. I’m going to give it my all to try to play as many as I can imagine between now and the end of the season.
“I’m really happy that we were wonderful in terms of functionality and I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t win the game, but I think it sets us up well for the season.
“We’ll see how we react after this game. Every game is vital and we have to continue as we have done for the last 4 or five weeks.
“We’ve been well educated, the games are once a week at this stage, so all the focus is on those at this stage.
“We have to give everything to win as much as possible. They’re all important games, but obviously, when you watch this Rangers game, there’s one to play for.
“It depends on whether we’re at home and we have to go out and enjoy it as much as possible. It’s still in our hands which games are going to be played. We leave here in a positive place. “