IT’S A CASE OF PRIDE FOR US
this weekend if they don’t deal with Dundee United.
However, McGregor is adamant there is plenty of motivation for the short and long term.
The playmaker wants a strong end to the campaign to provide the momentum for next year’s fightback.
McGregor said: “We’re judged on results at the weekend so we have to get results. This period between now and the end of the season is about preparing for the start of next season.
“We have a good base here over the next eight weeks to really put our foot to the floor and continue to get better.
“When you are so used to success, like so many of this group are, it’s even tougher to deal with the down moments.
“And it’s even tougher with not having the fans there to bounce off.
“It affects the players and it’s difficult to deal with. But this is a real chance for the players and everybody at the club to learn and be better for it.
“When we get back next year, we’ll re-evaluate and set our new objectives.”
McGregor admits the Hoops have been wounded this term and the struggles ended up costing boss Neil Lennon his job.
The Scotland ace insists the former gaffer’s legacy should be secure.
He said: “We had a real close relationship. He is someone who has been brilliant for the club in terms of the success he has brought.
“He has been a real good servant to the club and I hope people remember his achievements fondly. I know the disappointment of this season will be lurking in everyone’s mind.
“It is disappointing and we have to carry the can for this, as the manager does as well.
“But hopefully in a short period of time people will remember the good the gaffer did here.”
The squad are ploughing on under caretaker boss John Kennedy and are determined to start the fightback now.
McGregor said: “It’s important to regroup and go again. We’re playing for pride. At Celtic, you win every game and that’s what we have to get back to.
“We have to get back to that ruthless mentality where we’re fully prepared, understanding our roles within the team and putting that all together.”
McGregor is expecting another day of hard graft on Sunday as United have been a test at Tannadice this term.
The Hoops were comfortable in their 3-0 win in Glasgow’s east end against Micky Mellon’s men but needed a late Albian Ajeti winner on Tayside last August.
McGregor added: “We’re expecting a tough game.
“The two games against them have been tough, so we’ll need to be at our best to get something.
“It’s traditionally always a tough game up there.
“The pitch is a little bit tighter, they pressed us very well in the first game there and gave us a bit of a problem.
“We had to wait until late on to get the goal from Albian, so we expect more of the same.
“We’re fully prepared for the game and when it comes, we have to be bang at it to get a result.”