CALMAC’S THEEURO SPECIALIST
CALLUM McGREGOR insists his growing reputation as Celtic’s European goal specialist is all about good timing and freedom of movement.
The Hoops midfielder is aiming to reach double digits with career continental strikes when he lines up tomorrow against Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
But a happy knack of finding the net against the likes of Bayern Munich and Zenit St Petersburg has the 25-year-old relishing the chance of facing teams who don’t park the bus in their own penalty area.
He said: “I don’t know why I have scored a few in Europe. It’s just right place, right time. I’ve managed to get some goals and maybe it’s because the style is slightly different.
“The winner against Zenit last year was probably the best I have scored in Europe.
“It was a good finish, we won 1-0 and it was a great night for us.
“The games tend to be more open than in Scotland. Both teams attack more.
“There is maybe more chance to find space in the box than I would get in the domestic game.
“Teams are more camped in during league games and that can be difficult. The more open the game, the more it suits BY GORDON PARKS our style of play. We can try to get overloads in the middle and get the boys wide to get crosses in.
“Salzburg will be looking to attack as the home team and it has the makings of a good game.”
McGregor’s previous trip to the Red Bull Arena delivered a 2-2 Europa League draw back in 2014 with Scott Brown and Wakaso Mubarak on target.
The Scotland star learned enough from that encounter to expect more of the same from a side that have won their last nine games and have a reputation of throwing caution to the wind.
He said: “It was a really good game the last time we played in Salzburg. It finished 2-2. Broony scored with one that rolled down his shin from the edge of the box and Wakaso got a really good finish.
“Salzburg had a really good team back then and they pressed high. We know they are a talented, attacking side.
“It should make for a good match. This is an important game as we won against Rosenborg and want to build on that.
“If you can win your home games and get a point or nick a win away from home, that stands you in good stead.”