Callum McGregor probed on Rangers 'problems' as Celtic captain ready and waiting with one-word response

Captain Callum McGregor has brushed off Rangers' pre-season woes as he insisted that he was only focussed on Celtic and his teammates.

Philippe Clement's side have endured a tough route to the new campaign before they kick off against Hearts on Saturday - as they rounded off a winless run of friendly fixtures with a draw against Union Berlin in Germany. The results follow a summer recruitment drive that has failed to inspire the Ibrox support with the Belgian boss admitting the club have to free up cash before signing players.

Into the bargain, Rangers will be playing away from Ibrox until at least the final week of September as delays to construction work in Govan have forced the Light Blues' to move to Hampden for the start of the new campaign. Several Scottish Premiership fixtures, Champions League qualifiers and the Premier Sports Cup last 16 clash with St Johnstone will be played at the national stadium.

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In contrast, Celtic are preparing for flag day on Sunday when they face Kilmarnock off the back of positive pre-season tour of America - which saw the Hoops claim wins over DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea. Speaking at the official launch of the 2024-25 William Hill SPFL season, McGregor was asked if Celtic squad had been paying attention to any of the problems across the city in pre-season.

The Scotland international responded: “Nah. It’s not something we’ve spoken about or looked at. We have our own set of problems and challenges that we have to face in order to get better as a club and as a squad of players.

"We’re too busy trying to demand the very best of each other, and what will be will be.