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Callum in agony after facing the Rangers last time out. Now he needs Celtic to inflict evil.
And, as he prepares for a title-defining day, the captain admits that taking the flag this season would be one of his greatest achievements. McGregor says Celtic are in season form to finish the job lately and he, too, is about to give it his all following his Achilles injury.
Another five weeks ago, when he fought in the last derby at Ibrox and left the dugout. McGregor balked, but, reflecting on the differences between now and last game, the captain said: “Yes, I’m still in agony after that game!Of course, we knew it was going to be a big risk, but we wanted to take it. We think it’s important. We made that decision and crossed our hands a little bit.
“I had to grit my teeth and get over it. We knew the type of injury and it could be painful. But once we established that no more damage could be done, we were satisfied to accept that threat and go all the way. .
“We had to be very careful with the course. Probably only in the last few weeks have I felt much better and freer in my movements and everything else.
The standing ovation his 60-yard run to steal from the Hearts’ Kenneth Vargas seven days ago, signaling his well-being, raised the support. He said: “Obviously, I’m recovering from an injury and getting back on track. “The time is right to put an end to this.
“You feel smart and things are going in the right direction. Sometimes anything happens in the game and you just have to react. Your brain takes over and it’s great to live this positive moment and see how to move forward and put it in yourself.
“Now I move a lot more, yes. I think, given the nature of the injury and the timing of the onset, I think that’s why there’s a little bit of confusion about it.
“The schedule was quite long and we discussed the fact that we were looking to be as competitive as possible so that we could come back in time for those games and the end of the season. There were some bumps in the road and it was quite painful at times, but that’s like everything in life, you just grit your teeth and keep going.
“It turns out we’re going in the right direction, which is a smart thing to do. Knock on wood, nothing’s going well anymore. I think if you ask any footballer, when you get injured, it’s probably the hardest moment of your life. “race, especially when you get into the global business at the end of the season, when the trophies are handed out.
With the pain gone, McGregor must now inflict the injury on the Rangers. This will be the captain’s 38th appearance in the derby and is decisive.
Record Sport columnist and former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson believes his former team will have to save the Celtic leader from dictating matters. But McGrepassr says his team has other tactics for inflicting distress, saying, “That’s the theory. If they focus on me, then someone else can stop by and win the game for us!
“I think when those kinds of things are said about you, you should take it as a compliment. But we have a formula where, if you try to overload a player, we can hurt you in other areas.
Celtic’s win would give them a six-point lead in the race for the name with two games left to clinch the trophy. Given some of the struggles his team has faced this season, that would be huge for McGrepassr.
He said: “Everyone is different, there are other demanding situations and, probably for a while, this one has been going back and forth for a while. We have 3 games to do that, and if we manage to cross the end line, then for sure we will be among the best.
“It’s no secret that we’ve had to show a lot of resilience as a club this season. Tough times, getting there early, getting rid of that a little bit, and then taking back control.
“It’s never going to be the best season. The change of coach, the departures and arrivals of players and those things take time.
“But all we’ve done is stay together and naturally when you get to the end of the season, it all comes to life as well. “
McGregor says Celtic are in the most productive form of the season to achieve this and continued: “I think we’re in a smart position, but the only way to stay there is to keep doing the basics and then when the games come around, show everything achieved.
“One thing we try to do as soon as new players arrive is to make them understand what football club they are playing for and what their expectations are. I think it’s vital that they understand right away that you have to win and that, when you get to the big moments, you generally have to deal with the pressure, get through the toughest moments and be a winner. The painting is a success.
“Every time you meet someone on the street, in the supermarket, in cafes, the only thing they tell you is: you better win on Saturday. And they’re not kidding. It’s a serious thing and, when the players perceive it, it gives you a concept of the importance of your role within the club.