Celtic TV Exclusive: Captain relishing latest UCL challenge

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Celtic F.C.

·29 January 2025

Celtic TV Exclusive: Captain relishing latest UCL challenge

Callum McGregor is ready for the challenge of facing Aston Villa at the iconic Villa Park this Wednesday night, describing the match as a chance to deliver a strong performance and finish the UEFA Champions League league phase on a high.

With Celtic already through to the play-off stage, the Celtic captain stressed the importance of continuing to push forward and improve their position in the standings.

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“We are now looking up the table, and that has to be the aim for the players.” McGregor told Celtic TV. “We are an ambitious group. We always try to push each other every single day, and this is another big opportunity as well.

“You come to a stadium like Villa Park, you want to perform well, perform strong, and show what you can do. That’s very much the motivation for the group.

'You’re looking up the table, you’ve got the play-off games coming, and you want to arrive into that in the best possible shape as well.'

McGregor will come up against a familiar face in Villa captain, John McGinn, with the two having shared many memorable moments on the international stage with Scotland.

Despite their camaraderie, both players will be focused on securing victory for their respective teams.

“Obviously he will want to win, and I will want to win.” McGregor said. “I’ve played with John for a number of years at international level.

"He’s a great guy and a great player as well, and both of us will be desperate to win the game.”

One of the key storylines heading into the match is the return of Jota to Celtic.

The Celtic skipper expressed his delight at the Portuguese winger’s return and the boost it brings to the team despite the winger being ineligible for tonight’s match at Villa Park.

“There’s been a big buzz about him coming back,” McGregor said. “He was immense the first time around, but the most important part now is the football.

'Having spoken to him over the last couple of days, he’s super hungry to come back and make his time even stronger here as well.'

“It’s always good to see players come with a point to prove and want to be successful. Once we get all the pleasantries out the way, it’s down to football. He’s a top player who wants to work hard for the team.

“We will certainly be doing our maximum to get the most out of him and the rest of the players and have a strong second half of the season.”

Watch the full interview with Callum McGregor now on Celtic TV.

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