McGregor: Target is now on our back

CALLUM McGREGOR has warned his Celtic team-mates they’ll have to dig even deeper to retain their Premiership title next season. A point at Tannadice on Wednesday was enough to take Ange Postecoglou’s team over the line with a game to spare. Having won just three of their opening seven matches, a 31-game unbeaten run will

be rewarded with the presentation of the trophy after tomorrow’s final match with Motherwell — with direct entry to the group stage of the Champions League now guaranteed. McGregor intends savouring the crowning moment in his first season as captain but is already braced for a renewed challenge from Rangers next term. ‘When you are chasing something, it is easy, you have that hunger. It’s now the opposite,’ he said. ‘We’ll enjoy it at the weekend, but the minute we leave that building, we have to be even hungrier.’ Not only did McGregor succeed Scott Brown as captain last summer, he had to pull together a hastily-assembled squad and get them believing that a Rangers side which had gone unbeaten last season could be overcome. The 28-year-old had previously won six titles but admitted the pivotal role he played in number seven and the issues surrounding it made it his personal best. He said: ‘I just wanted to put that behind me and prove to everyone it was a one-off and this group of players have helped me do that. ‘I’m hugely proud (as captain). When I was handed the armband, I knew it was my responsibility to bring success back to this football club and I am so happy we have managed to do that.’ Meanwhile, James Forrest has signed a new Celtic contract to keep him at the club for a further three years. And the champions are reportedly ready to open talks with boss Postecoglou about an improved longer-term deal following his startling debut season.