'Even more determined,' Celtic captain dismisses Saudi switch

The Celtic midfielder stressed that his focus is firmly on helping the club maintain their push for a fifth consecutive league title and believes the squad must be strengthened to sustain their challenge.

Recent reports suggested the 32-year-old could be tempted by a reunion with former manager Brendan Rodgers, now in charge of Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.

However, McGregor moved quickly to quash any suggestion of an overseas switch, reiterating that he has no plans to leave as the title race intensifies.

McGregor said via Daily Record: “No, no, I’m here. Even more determined [to stay and win]. Even more because of what’s happened. We’ve had a difficult spell, we’re used to winning, then things don’t go your way. So now you have to show everyone that you want to be a winner and you want to stay and you want to fight, and you want to make the club successful. Yeah, that’s the message.”

The Celtic skipper urged his teammates to rise to the challenge as the Scottish Premiership title race heats up, while also lending his support to manager Martin O’Neill’s ongoing push to bolster the squad with new additions.

McGregor added: “Obviously, there’s been a big thing made about it this season especially, but I think every season you need to keep strengthening, keep trying to make the team better and the squad better. So, it’s much the same and obviously everyone knows the situation that we’re in.

“We do need a little bit of help in terms of quality, in terms of boosting the squad, and I’m sure the manager will get the players that we need. The attitude and mentality to fight and keep going and keep going will stand us in good stead for what’s to come.”

The Celtic captain also praised new striker Tomas Cvancara for his debut in Gorgie following the big Czech striker’s impressive assist for Yang in the second half.

McGregor continued: “He’s a different profile to what we’ve been in the last three or four years especially. He did really well. Obviously, he set up the second goal, good running power, good focal point for the team.”

“So, it does give us a slightly different dynamic, especially when you come here and you know the game’s going to be a lot more direct.”

Conor Spence

Glory to Their Name 

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