Callum McGregor insists he is not worried about Rangers’ challenge ahead of their first Old Firm derby of the season.
The Light Blues travel to Parkhead for Sunday’s Premiership clash, buoyed by their six-goal win over Ross County at the weekend.
Ibrox boss Philippe Clement, who has yet to win a derby after four attempts, is adamant his team can exceed expectations given how close he believes they came last season.
The Belgian has promised that his men will show their opponents the game, claiming they will not “park the bus” and “hope something falls from the sky”.
However, with his team having made a perfect start to the season, winning three games in a row and now leading the table, the Celtic captain says he does not feel the need to post any comments on the wall in search of even more motivation.
Callum McGregor insists Celtic will ignore positive comments from their rivals
McGregor scored against St Mirren at the weekend and now has Rangers in his sights
Clement is optimistic about his team’s chances despite failing to record an Old Firm win
“No. It’s just talk, isn’t it? And talk is cheap,” he said.
“Everyone knows how big these games are, and when they happen, you probably don’t need any extra motivation.”
“We have a structure and a system and, first and foremost, the way we want to train. We try to get the best out of the players.
And if this becomes a daily habit, it should become second nature to you when you experience the big moments.
“You have to have a bit of emotion and emotions are often good in football. But you have to say that the structure here is that if we do this often, then there is a good chance that we will have a good day.”
Celtic are already two points ahead of their city rivals and although the season is still in its infancy, it would be a remarkable feeling to extend that lead to five points.
However, McGregor warned that Brendan Rodgers’ side would not take anything for granted, adding: “I think it will be a big game.”
I think in games like this, especially at home, you have to try to make the best of it. And that means three points first and foremost.
Sunday’s game will be the first meeting between Rangers and Celtic since last season’s Cup final.
“If you can combine that with a strong performance, that would of course be the ideal world for everyone, but we know it’s never that easy.”
“Rangers are a good team, obviously we got a really good result on Saturday, so we know it’s going to be a tough game. We have to give it everything we’ve got and hopefully we can have a positive afternoon.”
After a slow start to the transfer window, Celtic appear to be strengthening their squad this week with all new signings theoretically available to make a debut against Rangers.
Barcelona left-back Alex Valle is expected to join on a one-year loan. The club are said to have made a £6.5m offer to Bundesliga side Augsburg for Belgian midfielder Arne Engels. A bid has also been made for Los Angeles FC midfielder Mateusz Bogusz.
After Matt O’Riley completes his £26 million transfer to Brighton, McGregor says the team would welcome an influx of quality players.
Matt O’Riley has completed his move to the English Premier League with Brighton
“When you lose two or three people, especially good ones, you have to try to replace them,” he said.
“I’m no different from anyone else. We want the club and the group to move forward and as I said, we’ve lost some so it’s important that we try to replace that.
“I think we have to trust the people in the positions to do their job. And that’s the only thing the club is good at. We all trust each other.”
“So, from my side, there’s nothing to worry about. And hopefully we’ll be where we need to be by the end of the week.”
