After playing more in Europe, Cal’s in

CELTIC McGregor reckons rest and relaxation in the sun are top

McGregor’s career continuing its overall ascent.

“It was a poor way to finish what was a great year,” observed the Scotland internationalist. “It was a sore one to take because we felt that we just didn’t do ourselves justice against Rangers.”

If anyone could draw a positive from their performance against the Ibrox side it would be McGregor and Craig Gordon. The duo were the only two who turned up in a game in which Celtic were uncharacteristically run ragged with McGregor, even at left-back, Celtic’s best outfield player.

Despite that difficult afternoon, McGregor remains upbeat that the break will re-energise Celtic as they look to go again later this month.

The Parkhead side’s opening game of the year is a Scottish Cup tie against Airdrie which comes on the back of a week’s training in the sun with the midfielder confident that Celtic can return with a bit of swagger to their game.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are top of the table on goal difference with a game in hand but it is an unusual position at this stage of the season given the manner in which they have largely lorded it over the rest of the league since the 45-year-old’s arrival at the club.

By this stage in Rodgers’ previous two campaigns, Celtic have been out of sight but domestic slip ups this term – four on the road – have kept the Parkhead side within touching distance as Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and Rangers have all kept pace.

“It has been competitive but from our point of view we just want to focus on what we can do and I’m sure the break will do us good,” said McGregor.

“We have played a fair bit of football already so it will

We have played a fair bit of football already so it will be good to go and get our feet up for a bit before getting ready to come back and go again