Leading Men

Callum McGregor cites experienced Celts as key to eight-in-a-row success.

CALLUM McGregor heaped praise on Scott Brown and Mikael Lustig for their roles in eight-in-a-row and said that their character has been instrumental in moulding the champion mentality within the dressing room.

McGregor’s performance in Saturday’s 3-0 title-winning game against Aberdeen illustrated why the 25-year-old recently scooped the Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year gongs at the club’s annual awards ceremony.

It was McGregor who created the opening goal when he swung an inch-perfect cross towards the back post for Lustig to head home just before the break.

The midfielder was also the provider for the second goal when he picked out Jozo Simunovic from a corner, with the Croatian heading in his second goal in two games. Odsonne Edouard then added a third goal shortly before the final whistle.

Celtic only needed a point to clinch the title, but McGregor insisted a win was the only objective he and his team-mates were targeting in the game.

“We knew what we had to do,” said McGregor after the game. “The mindset of the boys going there was spot on. We weren’t looking to draw and stumble over the line. We were going there to win and show our intent on the game.