Callum McGregor calls for positive reaction after derby loss | OneFootball

Celtic captain Callum McGregor admitted Sunday’s derby defeat to Rangers felt like “a slap in the face”.

The Bhoys were on course for a domestic treble before Carl Starfelt’s extra-time own goal sent them crashing out at the semi-final stage of the Scottish Cup on a 2-1 scoreline.

Speaking after the late drama at Hampden Park, McGregor said (per the Daily Record): “This is one of the few times we’ve had a bit of a slap in the face. So it’s important that we show everyone to react in the right way.

“That’s all we can do now. It’s gone.”

Ange Postecoglou’s side hold a six-point advantage over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, with just five games to play.

And the Celts’ skipper urged his colleagues to put their cup disappointment aside in order to place the league title in the trophy cabinet at Parkhead alongside the League Cup they secured back in December.

“It’s never nice, it feels horrible, I can tell you. In there, everyone was devastated,” the 28-year-old said.

“But we’ve got five games to win the league and that’s where we have to go. We have to go again.”

Celtic have a week to regroup before travelling to face Ross County next Sunday.