McGregor mindful that Invincibles crashed at Tynecastle

FOR Callum McGregor, a walk down memory lane throws up a hazard warning ahead of a trip along the M8. Exactly two years ago today, on December 17, 2017, Brendan Rodgers took his Invincible Celtic team through to the capital only for Hearts to end their 69-game domestic unbeaten run with an emphatic 4-0 victory. The Edinburgh side are currently joint bottom of the Premiership with Hamilton Accies and were jeered off after Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to St Johnstone. But, as McGregor has found out during his time at Parkhead, it is never advisable to expect an easy game in Gorgie. ‘It’s exactly two years since we lost our unbeaten run at Tynecastle? That just shows you it’s a tough place to go,’ said the Scotland midfielder. ‘The boys have always found that over the years. Why do I think it is such a tough place to go? Every team that plays Celtic and Rangers raises their game. ‘So it doesn’t matter where the team is sitting in the league, it’s the biggest match for them and subconsciously they raise their game. ‘Also, Tynecastle is a tight stadium and you have to battle against that as well. ‘We know we will need to be at our very best if we are to get a result there.’ A poor run of results saw Hearts sack Craig Levein and replace him with German boss Daniel Stendel. There has been no new manager bounce to speak of yet but McGregor believes the Hearts players will be looking to use tomorrow night’s high-profile encounter to impress their new leader. ‘It’s tough going to Tynecastle anyway but now Hearts have a new manager in place, so they will be really up for it,’ he added. ‘But we know what our mindset has to be and we will prepare properly.’ At this time of year, a trip to the capital for most people involves visiting the Christmas markets at Princes Street Gardens and enjoying a glass of mulled wine or a mince pie. By contrast, footballers must be ultra-professional amid the busiest set of fixtures in the league calendar. But days like lifting the Betfred Cup — Celtic’s tenth consecutive domestic trophy — by beating Rangers at Hampden make it all worthwhile for McGregor and his Parkhead colleagues.

There will soon be time for a break during the winter shutdown in January when Neil Lennon takes his squad to Dubai — where they can rest and prepare for a Europa League last-32 tie with FC Copenhagen in February. But with Rangers breathing down their necks in the league, there is no room for standards slipping in any of the remaining 2019 Premiership fixtures. ‘Christmas is a busy period for a footballer but you are more than happy to make those sacrifices,’ said McGregor. ‘When you get days like when you are raising a trophy at Hampden in front of thousands of your fans, it is all worth it. ‘We know we have a tough few weeks coming up now.’