'That was probably a big statement,' Callum McGregor said, 'I enjoyed that.'

Brendan Rodgers’ side head into tonight’s money-spinning tie buoyed after a commanding 4-1 victory against Falkirk in Friday night’s Premier Sports League Cup clash.

Meanwhile, Kairat endured a setback at the weekend, surrendering a two-goal lead to fall 3-2 at home against FC Yelimay — their first league loss since May and only their third in 20 top-flight outings this season.

Celtic are heavy favourites for the two-legged clash with McGregor and his teammates aiming to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition for a fourth consecutive season.

At the media conference yesterday afternoon, I asked the Celtic captain about reflecting on last season’s tremendous European campaign and the impressive start to the season so far which as the manager outlined last week, has gone under the radar.

You can read the questions and CalMac’s answers from yesterday below.

The Celtic Star: Reflecting back on last season, did you have a favourite moment among the ten matches?

Callum McGregor: “I think there were quite a few, actually. I think the game here at home against RB Leipzig was a top, top-level performance. They came and pressed us, and everything about our game that night was at a really, really good level. And that was probably a big statement for a lot of people that we’d maybe turned a corner in these games. I enjoyed that.

“Enjoyed the two playoff games against Bayern Munich as well. Going into their stadium, playing really well and being unlucky in the end, but I think you enjoy all of these games because they’re glamour football, they’re glamour ties, and it’s a real test for the group. So, like I said, our job over the next two games is to get there, and then hopefully we can build on that.”

The Celtic Star: How have you found this season so far Three important victories heading into this challenging schedule.

Callum McGregor: “Yeah, well, that’s it. You start the season, you want to try and build momentum as quickly as you possibly can. Three good games, good score lines, and minimal goals against as well. So the team are building nicely and then, like you say, a big couple of weeks coming up. Hopefully, we can continue that growth and come through that period strong as well.”

Watch Callum McGregor speaking at his media conference at Celtic Park ahead of this evening’s UEFA Champions League playoff match against Kairat Almaty…

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