Celtic on title Red alert as Callum McGregor reveals why Aberdeen charge is keeping Hoops sharp

Callum McGregor insists the title charge from Pittodrie has put Celtic on red alert.

The Hoops had to dig deep at Kilmarnock on Sunday to keep pace with the Dons after Jimmy Thelin’s men roared back from their Hampden mauling with an impressive Premiership win against Dundee. Celts may have dished out a National Stadium stuffing but McGregor is not ignoring the threat from the Granite City with the teams locked at the top – nine points ahead of Rangers.

The Parkhead skipper insisted his side are in superb shape as they pause for the international break but he is not banking on pulling away. And McGregor admitted the red peril is keeping Celtic’s eye on the ball. He said: “Yeah, well I think we're always there, whether it's Aberdeen, Rangers, we're always tight at this point in the season.

“We know what we're doing, we've been over the course many, many times, we know it's about us, and how we prepare, and how we train, and then when the game comes around, it's an opportunity to show what we've been doing all week. That just all builds and culminates come the end of the season.

“So, we feel good where we are, there are teams challenging, and that's great, it just keeps us ultra sharp and focused.”

Celtic – and Aberdeen – have banked an impressive 31 points out of 33 to set the Premiership pace. But McGregor is gearing up for the long haul with a gruelling schedule on the horizon after the international pause. He said: “I think the results will tell you where we are ultimately. It’s been a really positive start, obviously drawing one game, probably should have won that as well to be honest, but a strong start.

“But we're only one third of the way there, so there's two thirds to go, and a lot of work to be done, so we're