Euro Zone

Callum McGregor is looking forward to the Europa League group-stage games and believes Celtic can once again extend their campaign beyond Christmas

- Paul Cuddihy

CALLUM McGregor already has a wealth of European experience, with 55 appearances to his name, along with 11 goals. The first of those appearances and goals came in the same game, which was also his Celtic debut, the midfielder netting the only goal of the game away to Icelandic side, KR Reykjavik.

His most recent goal came this season, in the 5-0 win over Estonian side, Nomme Kalju, while his 55th appearance came in last week’s impressive 4-1 away win over AIK in Stockholm, a result which gave the Hoops a 6-1 aggregate win and a place in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League.

The following day, the draw for that stage of the competition pitted Neil Lennon’s side against Lazio, Stade Rennais and CFR Cluj.

It will see Celtic head to Rome for the first time on competitive action, taking on a Lazio side who will be favourites, as pot one seeds, to win the group.

The Hoops will also face a Stade Rennais side who visited Celtic Park in July for a pre-season friendly, while there is an almost instant resumption of hostilities with Romanian champions, CFR Cluj, who knocked Celtic out of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers this season.

For McGregor, it’s an exciting draw but also one that he believes the Hoops are capable of progressing from and delivering European football after Christmas for the third consecutive season.

The Celtic View caught up with the 26-year-old midfielder for his reaction to the Europa League draw.