Proud Callum McGregor admits he's buzzing to unfurl the title flag on Sunday and get his team's title defence off to the best possible start against Aberdeen.
McGregor led Ange Postecoglou 's team to the title last season as they pipped Rangers to the post and reclaimed the trophy at the first time of asking. Having worn the armband throughout the Premiership-winning campaign, he'll get to do the honours of unfurling the flag when Aberdeen come to town.
From Billy McNeill to Scott Brown, t's an honour so many Celtic greats have enjoyed over the years and McGregor will add his name to the list ahead of the big kick-off at a packed-out Parkhead. But speaking to Celtic TV, he insists his focus is on the game itself, and making sure his team get off to the best possible start. He said: "There’s a real buzz and energy about the place with plenty of anticipation of the new season ahead. It's important we get our mindset right for that in the next few days at training, give a good performance and try and get a good result.
“When you think about the people that have done it over the years, for the club to ask me to do it is a huge honour, and for my family to watch that. It’s always a brilliant day when you get to unfurl the league flag at Celtic Park.
“I’m very grateful to get the opportunity to do it and once we get it out the way it’s down to business and making sure we perform and get the three points. The excitement of a new season spurs you on and the challenge is to go and be champions again.”
McGregor is expecting a tough game from Jim Goodwin 's Dons but after going undefeated in pre-season, he's hopeful of another good result to get the title defence off to a flyer. He went on: "Early on in the season, teams are feeling good about themselves and everybody wants to start in a positive manner.
"Jim's sides are always really organised, really tactically astute. It'll be a tough game and we have to be ready for it to get a positive result to start the season off.
"Pre-season is a lot about fitness and getting your work in but we're also trying to build a winning mentality. It's important that we've come through pre-season undefeated and we'll try and take that mentality into the season. There will be a lot of challenges so it's important that everyone stays together, including the supporters."
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