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Celtic star sends title warning to Rangers ahead of Old Firm showdown - ‘It still hurts’
CALLUM MCGREGOR believes Celtic can finish off Rangers’ title bid today with an impressive win at Parkhead.
Neil Lennon’s side welcome their bitter rivals to Celtic Park this afternoon.
The defending Scottish champions go into the final Old Firm match of the season a staggering 10 points ahead of Steven Gerrard’s troops.
Victory today would see Celtic essentially end the Gers’ slim hopes of winning their first league title in eight years.
And as such, McGregor and his team-mates are treating the match as a title decider.
“I think everyone is looking at it almost like a title decider,” the 25-year-old said. “We know how big the magnitude of this game is.
“They are always big games, but there is probably a wee bit of emphasis on this.
“If we get over the line on Sunday we are pretty much there. So that will be a big focus going back in.”
Despite being miles ahead of their enteral rivals, McGregor insists neither he nor any of his team-mates are underestimating Rangers.
I think everyone is looking at it almost like a title decider
He said: “Obviously we'll show massive respect to Rangers, you have got to do your work.
“They showed in the December game that if we don't turn up, don't want to scrap and fight for every ball, they can beat us just as easily.”
Celtic’s 1-0 defeat to Rangers last December is still fresh in the memory of McGregor, who said: "You hurt - it's been three months in the waiting since the December game and it hurts still.
"Every day you keeping going but in the back of your mind it does hurt and when you get the chance to put it right you take it.
"It was tough to take - we know how low it was to have that feeling in the dressing room.
"It's not what you want to experience, it's a massive derby and means so much to everyone in Scotland. When you are on the receiving end of getting beat then it's horrible.
"But, the way the boys have bounced back has been perfect, really excellent, it's been a flawless start to 2019.
"We have used (the defeat) to drive us on and it's always in the back of your head the next one.
"The win in December shows the margin is so tight - one team turns up and plays well then they'll win the game.
"There is no massive gulf in quality, it's turning up on the day and being at it, being at the very best level to win the game.
"It's important that you enjoy these games - they are highly-charged fixtures in an unforgiving environment.
“As a footballer, you have to enjoy these games, it's where you thrive and play your best football."