Celtic captain Callum McGregor says that his side have to win at least ‘five or six’ of their remaining seven Premiership fixtures to have any hope of defending their league crown.
The title holders’ grip on the trophy loosened after a 2-0 defeat at Dundee United on Sunday, plighting them five points behind leaders Hearts and two behind second placed Rangers.
And experienced McGregor calls on composure from everyone from a Celtic standpoint.
The 32-year-old said: “We know where we are and I think now is the time for calm heads.
“I get that it is emotional, people will be emotional and angry about the result, none more so than the players. It’s their life, what they give to the game and what they give to the club.
“But in a time like this, you need to be calm. We have been here many, many times.”
It is the eighth time Celtic have suffered defeat in the league this season, and no team have ever won the league with as many losses inflicted. McGregor believes however that the league is still there to be won.
“You don’t want to lose football games, but there is still so much football to be played.
“The top five teams are really competitive, so there’s points to play for there.
“We’ll see if we need to win them all [remaining fixtures] or not, but I think we have to go on a run.
“Certainly, you’ve got to win at least five or six to have a good chance.”
Celtic’s title hopes hang in the balance of a unique three-horse-race, and McGregor feels that his club’s drop in standard is the reason for the title tug-of-war being so tight this campaign.
“I think we’ve probably manufactured it ourselves a wee bit, if I’m being honest.
“Now there’s a big challenge. We’ve had tight ones over the years, but probably only two teams going for it.
“Now there’s obviously three and you have to be competitive in every game.”
Celtic’s next fixture is another trip to Dundee after the International break, facing the dark blue side of Tannadice Street in a game which could see the Glasgow giants lose their fourth game in the city of Dundee this season.
