Callum McGregor issues warning to Celtic F.C. teammates before Hampden clash with St Mirren F.C.

Callum McGregor has issued a clear warning ahead of Celtic F.C.’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash with St Mirren F.C., stressing that the Hoops must deliver a much stronger display than their last outing at Hampden.

The Paisley side lifted the first trophy of the campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory at the national stadium, just days after Wilfried Nancy took charge. While results initially dipped under the Frenchman, performances have since improved, with Martin O’Neill guiding a more stable run of form.

Reflecting on that League Cup final defeat, McGregor admitted Celtic fell well short of expectations and acknowledged the need for a major response this weekend. He stressed that learning from past mistakes is crucial, but ultimately the team must raise their level and match the intensity required if they want to secure a place in the final.

The Celtic captain also spoke about the pressure surrounding big matches, noting the desire within the squad to deliver top performances consistently. He praised St Mirren’s tactical evolution following their managerial change, highlighting the challenges posed by their style, particularly their ability to crowd key areas and disrupt play.

McGregor added that adapting quickly to such changes will be vital, especially in high-stakes fixtures where momentum can shift rapidly. However, he pointed to Celtic’s resilience this season, with the team repeatedly grinding out important results in difficult situations.

Speaking ahead of the Hampden showdown, he emphasised the importance of leaving everything on the pitch, insisting the squad must produce a far better performance than in their previous encounter if they are to progress.