We'll Be Rock Solid In One-off Euro Ties

CalMac says Gibraltar howler will keep Hoops on their toes

- Craig Swan

Callum McGregor reckons being rocked in Gibraltar will ensure Celtic are on full alert for their crunch one-off Champions League qualifiers.

The Parkhead side is gearing up for their return to action and although the Premiership fixture list has yet to be revealed, the pathway in Europe has been laid out for the Hoops.

Neil Lennon’s side must negotiate three 90-minute shoot-outs before a two-legged play-off to reach the group stage with the schedule curtailed due to the Covid-19 lay-off.

McGregor believes there are positives to be taken from different set-ups.

And having watched from the bench when Lincoln Red Imps shocked Brendan Rodgers’ team in an away leg four years ago, the playmaker insists that’s warning enough to ensure everyone is bang on it for each challenge.

McGregor said: “It’s straight knock-out now. In some ways, it’s a positive as you know what is required in the 90 minutes.

“On the flip side, you know if you don’t play well there is no recovery. It intensifies the situation as you will have to be at it on the night.

“Likewise, if you do that you are straight through. So it works both ways.