McGregor had no fear in playing with a 'broken face'

Callum McGregor knew any Celtic fan would face Rangers with a "broken face" so decided he had to do the same.

The Celtic skipper had "no fear" in turning out in Wednesday's derby clash at Parkhead despite fracturing his cheekbone in two places against Alloa 11 days earlier.

The masked midfielder helped his side to an impressive 3-0 victory which put them top of the cinch Premiership.

"You know the situation, but when the game starts you just go into that mode where you don't have any fear," he said.

"The atmosphere, the adrenaline, everything is going and you just want to help the team.

"I spoke before the game that I just wanted to do everything I could to get myself on the pitch and help the team, and do that for the supporters.

"I know that every single one of them would play with a broken face if they had to, so why am I any different?

"You take injuries in football, that's what happens, but it was clear at the start of the week that I had half a chance and that's all I needed to make the game.

"I've got the mask that gives it the protection that it needs, so we'll just let it heal and keep taking it day by day."

The Scotland international had been concerned that he was facing a lengthy lay-off.

"When I came off I was in a bad place," he said. "It's credit to the medical team, they got me seen pretty quickly and then it was just a case of waiting on it settling down.

"There was a lot of swelling obviously, you'll have seen the pictures and everything else, but I've just been trying to rest up as much as possible and do the right things.

"My family have supported me really well, and when I had half a chance to play in the game, I was more than happy to do that.

"The mask gives me the protection that it needs, so as long as it's