CALLUM McGregor has admitted Celtic will be going all out for victory against Salzburg at Parkhead on Thursday night – even though they only need a draw to secure a place in the Europa League knockout rounds.
The Scotland midfielder helped the newly-crowned Betfred Cup champions thrash surprise Ladbrokes Premiership leaders Kilmarnock 5-1 at Celtic Park on Saturday.
The emphatic win has given Brendan Rodgers’s team, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Motherwell in a league game at Fir Park last Wednesday evening, a lift ahead of their meeting with Marco Rose’s side.
McGregor, who looks set to be preferred to Celtic captain Scott Brown once again, has revealed the double treble winners will look to follow up their wins over RB Leipzig at home and Rosenborg away with another triumph.
Celtic just require a point to progress to the last 32 for the second season running - but the 25-year-old believes it will be hard for them to hold back with more than 58,000 supporters roaring them on.
“We have to go in with the mindset of looking to win,” he said. “We need to try to win. It’s difficult to play for a draw. The fans automatically take over and it’s all guns blazing.
“We have to be aggressive in the game, but also have a tactical idea that makes sure we aren’t too open. It’s a case of being positive, but we need to keep the back door shut too.
"Thursday is a massive game for us. Salzburg were semi-finalists last season and we know how tough it's going to be. We are in a good vein of form. The stadium will be rocking and we want to have a good night.
"If we get a good performance, then you just never know what can happen. You'd need to wait and see who we could get in the draw.”
Meanwhile, McGregor revealed that Brown, who has just returned from hamstring and knee injuries, will play a key role in Thursday night’s game against Salzburg even if he doesn’t start.
"Broony is a massive character for this club and it's important that we always remember that even when he isn't playing,” he said.
"In the dressing-room, he is still there geeing everyone up. He's a massive character and he is someone we can't do without. Whether that is playing or not playing, he is still beneficial for the team.
"Broony is still very much at the forefront. He has been the club captain for years and that shows how big a character he is. He is still there helping the lads even when he isn't playing.
"I am sure Broony will get back in the team. He's been a massive player for Celtic for years. It will change eventually. You can't keep winning 5-0 or 6-0 every week, and then people look for reasons.
"The team will change, but we are a group and a collective. That has been our strength for the last two and a half years. Everybody is having an impact and that is what we are about, the collective.”
Meanwhile, McGregor, who has played no fewer than 38 games for club and country in the 2018/19 campaign to date, confessed the presence of Brown among the Celtic substitutes has helped him perform to a high level in the past fortnight.
"There were a lot of players on the bench who have played a lot of games and that keeps the standard high," he said. "Competition for places is vital. You could see that against Kilmarnock. Boys are fighting to stay in the team and we produce a great performance.
"It's good to be in the team. The team has been going great and it's tough for the manager to decide who plays and in what position.
"I do feel at my peak just now. I have been playing really well and everything is going well. I'm just striving to stay in the team and keep doing well. I want to play as many games as I can. Every now and then, you will need a breather. But I feel strong.
"I have played a lot of games, but I want to be in the team and play as many as I can. I am just grateful to be in the side and I feel I am getting fitter. I feel good and I want to keep going. As a group, we want to win and play well in every game."
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