Calmac insists successful season possible despite Celtic unrest

Celtic not only secured three vital Scottish Premiership points on Saturday evening, but also appeared to be making strides towards reclaiming their true identity as champions.

In a week overshadowed by Friday’s PLC AGM, it was fitting that captain Callum McGregor delivered a defining moment in Paisley, one that could help bridge the gap between the side and its supporters while providing a brief sense of relief.

The captain’s last-minute strike against St Mirren felt like more than just a match-winner. With Hearts falling at Pittodrie on Sunday, Celtic have cut the lead at the top to four points and hold a game in hand over their Edinburgh rivals.

Speaking via Daily Record post-match, McGregor believes his goal can prove to be a turning point in Celtic’s season. “If that can be the catalyst to bring everything together then that would be great,” he said.

“I know for sure there will be other challenging periods throughout the season. You just keep chipping away and we’ll take stock at the end of May. It won’t be plain sailing but can we have a successful season despite the narrative being different to what it normally is.”

“I don’t think that has changed much. The narrative is a little bit like we’re vulnerable, but then you need to double down and show everyone your character and what you are made of. The only way through it is winning games.”

McGregor added: “We’ve been successful for a long time and if you don’t have those characteristics I don’t think you can play for this club for a long time. Generally when your backs are against the wall you come out swinging. That’s the mentality we want in the dressing room.”

McGregor and his teammates cannot ignore the unrest among supporters as they strive for positive results on the pitch. However, the Hoops skipper said: “You know, it’s probably a little bit easier for the players. We live in our own wee bubble anyway in terms of preparing for games.”

“Since Martin and Shaun came in, the team has been climbing, winning games and keeping clean sheets. We’re trying to protect that as much as we can, saying to players not to listen too much to the outside noise.”

“Of course some of it filters in a little bit, but the only thing we can affect is winning games and, if we can do that, hopefully that will realign the supporters, the team, the club, everyone moving forward because I believe Celtic is a much stronger entity when everyone is pushing in the same direction.”

Conor Spence

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