In some twisted way, it is interesting and a bit refreshing to see a Celtic player still hurting from a game they lost three months ago on enemy ground. Both Scott Brown and now Callum McGregor have come out with the same storyline, they want to fix their hurt by inflicting hurt tomorrow against Rangers.
Both players experienced so so many Glasgow derby victories that they must have forgotten the rotten taste defeat leaves lingering. Both players seem to be salivating for a chance to put that right.
Speaking with Sky Sports McGregor gave a detailed description of his pain…
“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.”
The 25-year-old was played in at left-back at Ibrox in December and he will be hoping he can play in a more natural position tomorrow as Celtic still wait on green lights for Kieran Tierney and Boyata.
Callum pointed to the run of over 40 games and playing 3 games a week as a reason for the Celts non-performance the last day. He believes the energy is back in the squad and a better Celtic team will present themselves tomorrow.
He said: “When we came back after the winter break we were flying, getting good results. “Then the manager obviously changed and the gaffer (Neil Lennon) came in again and it’s pretty much been picked up where we left.”
