Callum McGregor in brutally honest Celtic title 'warning' as he names the key trait needed to see off Rangers challenge

Callum McGregor says Celtic will have to fight all the way to retain their title - after dropping points against Motherwell.

The champions could only muster a 1-1 draw at Parkhead yesterday thanks to a David Turnbull penalty. It’s the second time they’ve slipped up at home this season after previously being held by St Johnstone. Brendan Rodgers side are still nine points ahead at the top of the Premiership table.

But Old Firm rivals Rangers have two games in hand and a chance to close the gap to just three. At one point earlier in the campaign, Celtic were seven clear and cruising. But McGregor has warned anyone who thought the title race was over that it’s still very much alive. After the draw against Well, the captain said: “Is it a warning? Yeah, because football doesn’t work like that.

“You find yourself seven points clear early doors and everybody thinks: ‘That’s it wrapped up’. It’s never ever like that. There are so many twists and turns. I say it every year, it’s the team that deals with disappointment best that will go on and win the league.

“There are too many variables and games of football to be played. The team that bounces back from disappointments and defeats will win the title.

"We need to make sure that, internally, we stay strong and give everything we’ve got especially in this really important period.”

McGregor was disappointed not to beat Motherwell but Rodgers’ side weren’t at their best. Luis Palma missed a penalty before Turnbull scored from the spot but they were pegged back by a Jon Obika leveller.

McGregor said: “It was a frustrating day. We lacked a wee bit of quality in the final third. Missing the penalty just adds to the anxiety as you feel the game could open up if you score that. We then