Callum McGregor believes Celtic could have put ‘four or five’ past Rangers as he revelled in their comfortable win over their city rivals at Celtic Park.
McGregor hit a stunning third for the champions to cap off a brilliant personal performance yet again in an Old Firm derby, but the Celtic skipper believes it could and probably should have been an even more emphatic win for his side.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement mentioned in his own post-match interview that the stats for shots on goal and possession were even in the game despite the chasm between the teams on the scoreboard, but McGregor believes Celtic’s greater quality was clear for all to see.
“The performance, quality of goals, quality of defending, the way the team worked for each other, it had a bit of everything and we were probably unlucky not to get more goals,” McGregor said.
“I think we're a good side. I think Rangers are a good side as well, they probably have a little bit more possession than what they have had in previous games.
“But there's more than one way to win a football match, and especially in transition today, I thought we were outstanding.
“We were so dangerous, got three, probably could have got four or five really if we look after the ball in that transition moment.
“Rangers are a good side as well, it's easy to say there's a gap because the scoreline suggests it, but there's only a gap in football if you continue to work hard and keep pressing home when you've got that advantage.
“The boys inside the dressing room know that, that they have to continue to work and get better because if you stand still in football then there'll be somebody chasing you.
“Our mentality is us, we have to judge ourselves based on what we demand for the group and everything else then becomes irrelevant.
“We speak about that every day, we have to demand the maximum out of each other in training and games and then if we do that, then our level will be as high as it possibly can. And then when teams come and play against us, can they get to that level?
“But for sure we have to keep moving forward.”
McGregor’s long-range strike was his third goal of the campaign already, having scored just two in the entirety of last season. He says there isn’t any secret to his recent prolific goalscoring form though.
“I just think sometimes you get yourself into these positions and when your luck's in and you feel good then they seem to go in, so I'm happy with that,” he said.
“Obviously when you play in these games you want to do well and help the team as much as you can.
“I think the boys will tell you when you score in this fixture then it's probably as good a feeling as you'll get in football, so absolutely delighted.
“But the most important thing is the team and how we played and the results, so, a good afternoon.”
