'Determined' McGregor dismisses Saudi links

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from the club and says he is more determined than ever to take them back to the top in Scotland.

The 32-year-old has played 555 times for Celtic since making his debut in 2014 and has won 24 major honours in a decade of dominance for the Parkhead club.

McGregor has been linked with a reunion with former manager Brendan Rodgers at Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah, but insists they are nothing more than rumours.

"No, no, I'm here," he said when asked about the speculation.

Celtic are third in the Scottish Premiership, six points adrift of leaders Hearts two behind rivals Rangers and were beaten at Hampden in December's Premier Sports Cup final.

They have had three different managers in a chaotic season, with Rodgers resigning in October and Martin O'Neill back for a second interim spell after Wilfried Nancy's tumultuous 33-day reign.

Supporters have continuously protested against the club's board after a perceived lack of investment.

Despite the issues surrounding the club, McGregor stressed his desire to continue leading Celtic.

"Even more determined, even more," he said. "Because of what's happened. We've had a difficult spell, we're used to winning, then things don't go your way.

"So, now you have to show everyone that you want to be a winner and you want to stay and you want to fight and you want to make the club successful."

Celtic have won 10 of the past 11 top-flight titles, and although they trail both Hearts and Rangers, McGregor says they will fight tooth and nail to "rectify" the situation.

"We have to keep believing. Everyone's here to fight every single day," McGregor said.

"It's tighter probably than potentially what it has been for the last few years, but we have to relish that challenge as well.

"We've put ourselves in a difficult position and hopefully we can rectify it.

"But we'll need everyone – every player, every staff member, every supporter – pushing in the right direction to make sure that we get what we want come the end of the season."

McGregor is confident Celtic will get the reinforcements they need before the transfer window closes next week.

He accepts "there's been a big thing made about" recruitment this season, after the departures of key forwards Nicolas Kuhn and Kyogo on top of long-term injuries to Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston.

January loan captures Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara started Saturday's match at Tynecastle, with Cvancara making his debut and setting up Celtic's second goal.

"Obviously, there's been a big thing made about it [recruitment], this season especially, but I think every season you need to keep strengthening, keep trying to make the team better and the squad better," McGregor said.

"So, it's much the same and obviously everyone knows the situation that we're in. We do need a little bit of help in terms of quality, in terms of boosting the squad and I'm sure the manager will get the players that we need."