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

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·20 August 2025

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

Celtic skipper Callum McGregor spoke to The Celtic Star at yesterday’s media conference at Celtic Park ahead of this evening’s Champions League playoff first leg encounter against Kairat Almaty…

Callum McGregor of Celtic applauds the fans at full time during the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 10 August 2025. Photo Stephen Dobsonx PSI/IMAGO

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.

OneFootball Videos

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.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor gives a thumbs up to the fans at full-time after a 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig. Celtic v RB Leipzig, UEFA Champions League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, 05 November 2024 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

“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.”

18 02 2025, Allianz Arena, Munich, Champions League, FC Bayern Munich vs Celtic , Callum McGregor Glasgow. Photo by Midori Ikenouchi Hasan Bratic DeFodi Images

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…

CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES BY DAVID POTTER, FOREWORD BY DANNY McGRAIN is published by Celtic Star Books on the fifth day of September. You can pre-order now to guarantee your copy which will be signed by Danny McGrain, while stocks last. We have LESS THAN FIFTY signed copies remaining of the ones Danny will sign next week.

Missing Attachment

And there’s another great benefit for readers who pre-order their copy of Celtic in the Eighties. You will also receive a copy of an earlier David Potter book – Celtic’ Icicle – Alec McNair – which you’ll receive for FREE when you pre-order with Celtic in the Eighties. So you get two great Celtic books by David Potter and better still the postage is only charged on one. Click on the image below to order. (Just order Celtic in the Eighties and we’ll automatically add a copy of the Alec McNair book to your order). This offer is only available for pre-ordered copies sold via Celtic Star Books.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image to join.