As tomorrow’s Scottish League Cup semi-final against in-form Aberdeen draws closer, the Celtic faithful were treated to a welcome sight at today’s pre-match press conference. After a short period of injury, the Celts’ captain, Callum McGregor spoke to the media ahead of tomorrow’s huge cup match, confirming that he is ready to play if called upon. Looking ahead to tomorrow’s semi-final and reflecting on his short spell on the sidelines, the captain said: “It’s not a feeling I’m used to. You’re kicking every ball on the sideline, just desperate to get back out there, but I’m feeling good. “I’d much rather be in the middle of it and be involved. Any footballer will tell you that, it’s the worst thing when you have to watch on. “The lads done great and came out with maximum points, so they were two strong performances. Now it’s a change of competition tomorrow which requires our full focus. “Aberdeen are going well, we’re going well, so it should be a good game to watch and a good game to play in. “We know that we have to bring our maximum level to make sure we’re in the final.“The Celtic skipper knows the challenge that lies ahead for the Bhoys tomorrow as they take on an Aberdeen side who, just like the Celts, remain undefeated domestically so far this season. The Dons managed to snatch a point at Celtic Park a few weeks ago after trailing 2-0 at half time, and Callum McGregor reckons that that match was a good example of the standard that his side will need to be at tomorrow afternoon. “We knew that they had had a great start to the season,” he said. “And obviously coming to Celtic Park we’ll try to dominate the game and get a positive result. “I think on the day they showed their quality and resilience and that clinical edge that’s given them such a good start. “So we’re under no illusions that tomorrow will be a tough game. We have to bring our level and match their intensity and how hard they want to work. “The prize is the same for both teams and we’ll both be desperate to get there.” With an extraordinary honours list which includes no fewer than 22 winners’ medals, Callum McGregor is no stranger to the big stage. To perform and win consistently at the highest level requires an elite attitude and, ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final, Callum McGregor gave a glimpse of his own winning mindset. He added: “Semi-finals and finals are where you want to be as a football player. “The feeling never changes or diminishes, and every competition that’s up for grabs, I want to win. “When you get to these days, you’ve got to maximise the opportunity of being there and complete your objective which, tomorrow, is to be in the final.”FixturesCeltic Vs. Aberdeen – Sat, Nov 2nd 2024, 17:30
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