Pass Marks

Callum McGregor scored a superb goal in the Scottish Cup semi-final last season, and he is hoping for a similar result this time around

- Tony Connelly

CALLUM McGregor’s goal in last year’s Scottish Cup semi-final was one of remarkable composure, an attribute which typifies his playing style. Now with Rangers once again standing between Celtic and another final, McGregor believes the right mind-set will be crucial to helping the Bhoys repeat history.

Last year, on their way to a treble-winning Invincible season, Celtic knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup semi-final with a 2-0 win at Hampden before going on to beat Aberdeen in the final in the most dramatic fashion.

With the season drawing to a close, the prospect of a second successive treble remains a possibility but for that to happen Celtic must continue their strong record over their Glasgow rivals in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final.

“This will be the biggest game of the season,” admitted McGregor, who scored in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Hamilton Accies. “Obviously we’ve had a lot of big games but with a semi-final you want to progress and get into the final.

“It’s a big moment in the season to see if we can win the game and get to another final and then try to go further than that. The big games at Hampden are always important and define our season.

“When we go into any semi-final the objective is to get to the final. The fact that it’s against Rangers adds that wee bit of spice to the game. We know what these games are all about - you’re playing for more than the team, you’re playing for a cause and for the supporters. That always adds that wee bit extra to the fact that it’s a semi-final.”