Goalscorer McGregor wants regular Celtic starts
- adamhigginsuk
- Jul 16, 2014
- 2 min read
Dream: McGregor was the Celtic hero in Iceland, scoring his first Celtic goal on his full competitive debut for his boyhood club (Picture from Zimbio.com)
CALUM McGregor is targeting a regular first-team place at Celtic after scoring the winner against KR Reykjavik in their Champions League qualifier.
The 21-year-old midfielder was a surprise inclusion in the line-up for his first competitive start by boss Ronny Deila, who was taking charge for the first time.
But his deflected strike on 84 minutes proved to be the difference in the second qualifying round first leg against the Icelandic champions.
And McGregor, who scored 14 goals for Notts County on loan last season and impressed during pre-season, is ready to fight to retain his place.
"I spent last season with Notts County in League One and I feel I have come back a better player. I feel that I am mentally ready to make the challenge," he told BBC Sport Scotland after the game.
"When you come back here you don't want to leave. Being at Celtic means the world to me so if I can be here for a long time I will be delighted.
"Once I come in on Thursday I will get my head down and get working and strive to be better every day.
"But to score in the Champions League for Celtic - I have been there since I was nine years old - was a dream come true. I am still pinching myself to see if it's real."
McGregor was thrilled to score his first goal for the Scottish champions and recognised how important it could be in their quest to reach the Champions League group stages.
"It was a little bit of relief with it being 0-0 but I was absolutely delighted," he added.
"It was a big night for the club, to strive to get Champions League football again, and that might be the goal that takes us through to the next round so I am absolutely delighted.
"But we have got to focus on the return leg, we've got the win here now. The change of venue next week is something different, it will be a good chance to play at a different venue.
"The home support at Celtic Park is something special and unique but we have got to regroup and go again for next week."
On the performance of McGregor, boss Deila said: "I think he did well on his debut.
"He has big talent but I want him to be more direct, go forward more and link up more with the full-back, but that will come and I am very happy for him that he scored a goal."
Last updated: 16 July 2014 09:35am
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