Callum McGregor in savage Rangers takedown as Celtic captain reveals plan to unravel rivals who 'hadn't played anyone'

Celtic captain Callum McGregor taunted rivals Rangers by claiming they “don’t deal with intensity” and “very quickly start to unravel” when pressed during a derby victory speech to fans in a Parkhead corporate hospitality suite.

And he put the boot in further when he said the Light Blues “hadn’t played anyone” during their 16-game unbeaten run - which included inflicting a first home defeat of the season on Real Betis to top their Europa League - under Philippe Clement.

McGregor spoke to cheering, well-heeled supporters in the club’s Number 7 restaurant as he clutched his bottle of man of the match champagne after a standout display in the 2-1 victory which saw the champions move eight points clear of their rivals. A video of the interview has been shared on social media with the 30-year-old saying: “The boys were outstanding. We spoke before the game about bringing that intensity. We feel like when we play against them they don’t deal with the intensity. If you get after them and press them and make them kick out the pitch then very quickly they will start to unravel.

“They’d been in a good spell but they hadn’t played anyone yet. We had some critics to answer over the last couple of weeks. All I can ask of the boys is that they go out there and give everything and they did that with bits of quality - Kyogo and Paulo Bernardo’s goals top class - but in terms of the running and work ethic of the team was first class.

“You accept that pressure when you play for Celtic. Every season you have to win, keep reinventing yourself and given everything for the club. That’s always my main aim when I cross that white line is to give absolutely everything for the supporters because they would love to be in my position.”