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.
Asked if it would prove fatal, the midfielder said: "No, I don't think so. You don't want to lose football games, but there's still so much football to be played. " Listen: What now for Scottish title race?
Weekend review What does Celtic's latest loss mean for Scottish Premiership title race? Hearts 'keep believing', Celtic 'toothless', Aberdeen 'in serious trouble' - your views 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.