Callum McGregor has admitted Celtic’s record in their biggest matches this season is becoming a problem after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Ibrox.
Martin O’Neill’s side were knocked out of the Premier Sports Cup by Rangers on Sunday after a performance in which they struggled to impose themselves for long spells.
It followed the European defeat to LASK, giving Celtic another damaging result in a match carrying major importance.
Speaking to the Daily Record, McGregor did not attempt to play down the pattern.
He said: “We lost a big game in LASK. We lost another big game and it’s not acceptable.”
The midfielder believes Celtic cannot continue falling short in those moments if they want to be regarded as a strong side.
“There’ll be other big games throughout the season and eventually you have to win one if you want to be considered a good team.”
That is a significant admission from the captain, particularly with Celtic facing another important week immediately after the Ibrox defeat.
The Hoops return to European action against Ferencváros at Celtic Park on Thursday before Rangers travel across Glasgow for the Premiership meeting on Sunday.
McGregor knows there is little time for Celtic to dwell on what went wrong at Ibrox.
“We’ve put ourselves under pressure. We need to respond on Thursday and we need to respond on Sunday.”
Celtic’s performance against Rangers only increased the concern.
The defeat to LASK had already raised questions over Celtic’s ability to perform when they came up against stronger opposition, and Sunday has now added another major result to that list.
There will be plenty of big occasions still to come this season, but McGregor’s message was clear: Celtic have to start winning them.
Thursday gives them the first opportunity to respond, with Sunday’s Parkhead rematch against Rangers arriving only three days later.
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