“Celtic’s Secret Weapon: How Callum McGregor Became a Goal-Scoring Machine”

Celtic’s captain Callum McGregor couldn’t hide his delight after getting on the scoresheet in a commanding 3-0 win over their arch-rivals, Rangers, at Celtic Park. The victory not only showcased Celtic’s attacking prowess but also solidified their position at the top of the Premiership standings, five points clear of the Ibrox side. McGregor’s performance was a testament to his leadership and growing influence on the pitch, as he continues to enjoy a goal-laden start to the season, already surpassing his total from the previous campaign.

McGregor’s Joy and Leadership on Display

McGregor was quick to hail his team’s performance as “excellent,” noting that the match had a bit of everything – from clinical finishing to resolute defending. “It was excellent,” he said. “I thought the quality of the goals, quality of the defending, and the way the team worked for each other had a bit of everything. We were probably unlucky not to score more goals.”

The win over Rangers was more than just three points for Celtic; it was a statement of intent. McGregor emphasized the significance of these fixtures in shaping the season. “These games are always pivotal in the season. You want to win the game first and foremost, and if you can add the performance to that, then great, and obviously we have managed to do that today.”

A Season of Redemption for McGregor

At 31 years old, McGregor’s decision to retire from international football following Euro 2024 has seemingly revitalized his club career. Freed from the demands of international duty, he has hit the ground running this season, scoring three goals in just four league appearances. This is already more than he managed throughout the entirety of the previous campaign.

His newfound scoring touch has added another dimension to his game, making him even more indispensable to the Celtic cause. “Sometimes you just get yourself into these positions, and when your luck’s in, and you’re feeling good, they just tend to go in,” McGregor reflected. “I’m happy with that.”

But for McGregor, it’s not just about personal glory. His focus remains firmly on the collective effort and maintaining Celtic’s winning momentum. “When you play in these games, you want to do well and help the team as much as you can. The rest of the boys will tell you, when you score in this fixture, it’s probably as good a feeling as you will get in football. So, I am absolutely delighted with that, but the most important thing is the team and how we play, and obviously getting the result.”

Celtic’s Dominance Continues

The 3-0 victory was a result of a well-rounded team effort. Alongside McGregor, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi also found the back of the net, contributing to a dominant display that left Rangers reeling. The win maintained Celtic’s 100% start to the season, a remarkable achievement that has already seen them open up a significant gap over their Old Firm rivals.

Celtic’s performance was a clear indication that they are the team to beat in the Premiership this season. The attacking play was fluid, the defense was rock-solid, and the work rate across the pitch was relentless. The result could easily have been even more emphatic, with McGregor himself acknowledging that they were “probably unlucky not to score more goals.”

Eyes on the Future

As Celtic head into a two-week international break, McGregor is keen to keep the momentum going when they return to league action with a home game against Hearts. He remains hopeful that the players who are heading off on international duty will return without any issues, allowing the squad to continue their winning ways.

“Some of the lads will be going away on international duty now, so hopefully they come back without any issues, and we can just keep going and maximize what we can out of the group,” McGregor stated.

The break could not have come at a better time for Celtic, who will be looking to maintain their early-season form as the fixtures begin to pile up. With McGregor in this kind of form, the Hoops will be confident of extending their winning streak and further cementing their dominance in the Scottish Premiership.

The Road Ahead

McGregor’s performances this season have been nothing short of inspirational. His ability to lead by example, combined with his newfound goal-scoring touch, has made him a key figure in Celtic’s quest for silverware. As the season progresses, his influence will undoubtedly be crucial in determining how far this Celtic side can go.

The 31-year-old’s focus remains on the collective, but if he can maintain his current form, there’s no reason why he can’t continue to be a central figure in Celtic’s success story this season. With the league now taking a brief pause for international fixtures, Celtic fans will be eagerly anticipating the next chapter in what is already shaping up to be an exciting season.

McGregor’s journey from midfield maestro to goal-scoring leader is one that will captivate Celtic supporters and strike fear into their rivals. His joy at getting on the scoresheet against Rangers is a reflection of his commitment to the club and his desire to continue leading by example. As Celtic return to action, all eyes will be on McGregor to see if he can keep up his impressive start to the season and help his team achieve their lofty ambitions.