Celtic need ‘five or six wins’ out of seven

Captain Callum McGregor insists Celtic remain in the Scottish title race but must win “at least five or six” of their final seven matches to have any chance of retaining their crown.

Martin O’Neill’s side slipped five points adrift of leaders Heart of Midlothian and two behind city rivals Rangers over the weekend, after suffering an eighth league defeat of the season away to Dundee United on Sunday.

McGregor suggested the 2-0 loss at Tannadice was their worst day in either of O’Neill’s two spells in interim charge this season.

McGregor added: “The top five teams are really competitive, so there’s points to play for there.”

However, when it was put to McGregor that Celtic might have to win all seven of their remaining matches, he replied: “We’ll see if we need to win them all or not, but I think we have to go on a run.

“Certainly, you’ve got to win at least five or six to have a good chance.”

Celtic, whose latest loss incurred the wrath of their travelling support, return to action after the international break when they travel to face Dundee on Sunday, 5 April.

“We know where we are and I think now’s the time for calm heads,” McGregor said. “I get it, it’s emotional, people will be emotional and angry about the result.

“None more so than the players. It’s their life, what they give to the game and what they give to the club. But, in a time like this, you need to be calm. We’ve been here many, many times.”

McGregor believes a rare three-way title race is largely down to Celtic – who are 17 points worse off than at the same stage last season – underperforming.

“I think we’ve probably manufactured it ourselves a wee bit, if I’m being honest,” he said.

“Now there’s a big challenge. We’ve had tight ones over the years, but probably only really two teams [Celtic and Rangers] going for it.

“Now there’s obviously three and you have to be competitive in every game.