‘We’ve Got A Lot To Prove,’ McGREGOR

CALLUM McGREGOR insists the ache from the calamitous collapse towards Kilmarnock will add to Celtic’s motivation to overcome Feyenoord at Parkhead tonight.

Unfortunately, the ultimate Champions League Group E come upon is meaningless in regard to closing in European competition after Christmas, however the Hoops captain is convinced satisfaction and real grit will lift them through on this occasion.

Worryingly, the team dwindled below a determined siege against the Ayrshire outfit at Rugby Park where the hosts fought returned from a one-sided first-half in which Matt O’Riley had claimed a deserved goal. Derek McInnes’ group managed to flip the disagreement on its head to reduce the Hoops’ benefit to five factors at the top of the table.

UNDER PRESSURE…Callum McGregor is challenged by a determined Liam Donnelly in Celtic Rugby Park setback

Brendan Rodgers’ guys wilted alarmingly and an lousy own aim from Nat Phillips in the 75th minute threw the hosts a lifeline and Matty Kennedy claimed the winner 12 minutes later.

Celtic have a lot to show this nighttime with a few reputations on the line and McGregor stated defiantly: “We don’t have something to play for, but every sport is huge when you symbolize Celtic, specially after Sunday’s result.

“Everyone is hurting and when you get the chance to play in a Champions League recreation for Celtic you don’t need any greater motivation than that.

“We have a lot to show and I see a crew that is geared up to put on a massive overall performance and attempt and get that win that we want.

“We nevertheless want to method it as if we have the whole lot on the line, as when you go that white line you have to play as if it’s your last recreation for Celtic.

“We understand we choose to be aggressive and when we get to this degree we have to make an impact.

“Everyone at this membership is aware of that and a win gives us that belief and, hopefully, you’re returned next season and can kick on from there.”

BALL BHOY…Callum McGregor will be focused against Feyenoord in the latest Champions League challenge.

McGregor, talking to Celtic TV, added: “There shouldn’t be something that surprises us as we recognize what the game requires and the level we have to be at to perform.

“Feyenoord have been robust and they have been unlucky not to get through the group.

“We have to carry a degree of overall performance that receives the fans off their feet.

“When the team and aid give everything it’s a special mixture which makes it difficult for pinnacle teams here.

“We have to get the supporters involved in the recreation and if we do that they will carry their unwavering assist for the team.”

Rogers reveals that the Celtic trio has pulled away from Feyenoord.

Brendan Rodgers has tested to CeltsAreHere that injured trio CCV, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda will play no part in Celtic’s last Champions League sport of the season despite all three being pictured on the education field.

The Bhoys take on Feyenoord in matchday six of the Champions League with Celtic already slotted to finish closing in the group.

Brendan Rodgers doesn’t want to rush any players lower back for what is actually a lifeless rubber.

Reo is simply again and will be barely away from being regarded for squad duties. Maeda is very close to a return and CCV ought to be good enough for Saturday which is a lots more necessary tie in opposition to Hearts.

CCV overlooked the Kilmarnock defeat at the weekend however a scan on his knee showed no signs and symptoms of any long time period unwell effects, Rodgers will want to manipulate the defender through this length of video games earlier than we get to the iciness break.

It leaves either Nat Phillips alongside Liam Scales in defence or a reprieve for Gustaf Lagerbielke. There will be no Maik Nawrocki in the squad due to the fact he wasn’t registered for the competition.

‘Can’t understand’ Pundit is shocked that Celtic’s £4.3 million summer acquisition is not beginning this season

‘Can’t understand’… Pundit is taken aback that £4.3m summer season signing is no longer starting for Celtic this season

When Celtic followers watched their membership spend massive money this summer on Maik Nawrocki, they would have predicted the Polish defender to be a first pick out for Brendan Rodgers.

Unfortunately, the 22-year-old was injured early into this season and even although he is returned to full fitness, Rodgers has defined why Nawrocki has yet to be considered in a Celtic jersey.

But that has nonetheless left Stephen McGinn taken aback that Rodgers is taking part in Nat Phillips ahead of Nawrocki even via the on-loan defender is actually miles off the tempo in terms of fitness.

McGinn stated [The Go Radio Football Show], “Celtic without Carter Vickers in the league, I don’t comprehend what the stats are, but I mean there’s a dramatic drop-off.

“And what I can’t recognize from the previous day is how a momentary mortgage in Nat Phillips, how can he be a great deal better than Nawrocki.

“I’ve watched Legia Warsaw against Aston Villa and I thinking they were an tremendous side. Really held their personal and beat Aston Villa in Poland, deservedly this season.

“But I’m thinking Nawrocki was a huge section of that team remaining season, and I’m questioning a younger participant they spent a lot of cash on how can Nat Phillips be the choice different than Nawrocki”

I said on TBR Celtic yesterday that Phillips wants to be immediately dropped with the aid of Rodgers in favour of either Gustaf Lagerbielke or Nawrocki.

Unfortunately, the Polish defender is now not accessible for the final Champions League match towards Feyenoord however I would have no hesitation in throwing him in towards Hearts this weekend.

After all, the £4.3m signing couldn’t do a great deal worse than Phillips who appears to be on his way lower back to Liverpool when his temporary mortgage deal ends this month.

But with recent reports suggesting Nawricki could be loaned out in January, maybe the ship has sailed for him this season underneath Rodgers.