Callum McGregor shares Real Madrid hope as Celtic countdown to Champions League draw begins

Callum McGregor insists the Champions League theme will be music to his ears as he vowed Celtic are ready to roar against the continent's big guns.

The Hoops skipper admitted he’d love a crack at reigning champions Real Madrid in today’s group stage draw in Istanbul. But McGregor insisted Parkhead will be rocking regardless of who comes out of the hat. Celts are among the pot four seeds and are likely to land a section including some of Europe’s super clubs with PSG, Man City and Bayern Munich in the top pot with Real, the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona in the second section and Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan in the third class of clubs.

McGregor is relishing Celtic’s return to the big stage after five years’ absence and won’t be running scared. He said: “If we get Real, then great. That would be a nice one to tick off the list, but I’m sure whoever we get will be top opponents.

“This is the top level of European football, it’s a great challenge and we’re all looking forward to it. I’ve tried to stay away from studying who we could get from pots one, two or three. There are so many top teams in there, we have to take it as it comes. They are all good.

“It will be special to hear that music again after a few years. The noise level just goes up tenfold and it created an amazing atmosphere.

“I’m just really looking forward to it. I’ve already told a few of the guys what to expect. I’ve told them it’s at another level and they are excited about it.

“When the games come around everyone will look forward to it and hopefully there will be some special nights.”

McGregor, James Forrest and Anthony Ralston are the only players left in the Celtic squad to have tasted action in the Champions League group stages. And the