Callum McGregor says Celtic have had to fight through a difficult season to give themselves this chance heading into Saturday’s title decider against Hearts.
Celtic know only a win at Celtic Park will retain the Premiership after Wednesday night’s dramatic late victory over Motherwell kept the race alive until the final day.
McGregor acknowledged that reality while also admitting title races often turn on fine moments and big decisions along the way.
The Celtic captain also pointed toward the resilience shown inside the dressing room after setbacks earlier in the season left the title looking out of reach at times.
McGregor has lived through enough title races at Celtic to understand how quickly momentum can change over the closing weeks.
He spoke about that challenge ahead of Saturday’s match.
He said: (Sky Sports Scotland), “They’re a good side, they’re up there challenging for a good reason, you know, they’ve been really consistent, they’ve won a lot of big games as well and you need things to drop for you throughout the season, you know, kind of like we got on Wednesday night, we got a decision that went for us a big moment and you need that if you’re going to win titles, so us in two strong teams, we have to try and be on the right outcome tomorrow and like I said, we’ll give everything to do that.
“Tough, it’s been a tough season, but we’re there. So, you know, given everything that we’ve had to wrestle with and contend with, the boys have stayed so strong, which is an unbelievable trait in itself to play for a big club.
“You will take knocks along the way.
“I think I’ve said it so many seasons, you will have to overcome adversity at some point during the season. We’ve done that. We’ve now put ourselves in a position where if we give everything we can tomorrow and we play like we’ve never played before, then we can win the league and what an achievement that would be.”
McGregor’s comments reflect the mood around Celtic going into the final afternoon.
There is belief again inside the squad after the response over the last month, especially following the damaging defeat at Tannadice earlier in the run-in.
Since then, Celtic have looked sharper physically and far more urgent in possession.
The pressure has not disappeared.
But Celtic now head into a packed Celtic Park with momentum behind them and the league still in their own hands.
That opportunity looked a long way off not so long ago.
