Callum McGregor is ready for the challenge of facing Aston Villa at the iconic Villa Park this Wednesday night, describing the match as a chance to deliver a strong performance and finish the UEFA Champions League league phase on a high.

Callum McGregor says the impending departure of key striker Kyogo Furuhashi will create a platform for the club to “make their next hero” as he hailed Celtic’s ability to consistently replace their big names.

McGregor had a ringside seat when Celtic made a habit of joining Europe’s big guns in the knockout stages in the Champions League. He was still a fresh-faced ballboy when the likes of Shunsuke Nakamura was curling in belters on the way to consecutive last 16 spots under Gordon Strachan.

Celtic produced a battling performance against a strong Aston Villa side on Wednesday, eventually going down 4-2 to the English Premier League side. The Hoops had already secured their knockout

The Hoops captain is sick of hard luck tales against Europe's elite as he looks to seal a knockout spot with a game to spare

Callum McGregor insists Celtic will have no fears going to Villa Park and beyond - because the Hoops have proved they are Champions League class.

Celtic FC Captain Callum McGregor spoke to the media ahead of The Bhoys' UEFA Champions League clash against BSC Young Boys at Celtic Park. Full Press Conference Courtesy of UEFA.

A home win would secure a place in the Champions League play-off round and maintain hopes of a place in the top eight.

Callum McGregor couldn't believe Celtic only beat Kilmarnock by one goal as he hailed his side's 'unbelievable' attacking play.

Celtic face Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening. The Scottish Champions have already qualified for the next phase of the UCL but could gain passage to Last 16 with a win in Birmingham.

Callum McGregor celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on January 18, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/) The Bhoys should have been high and dry by the half-time whistle in Paradise but allowed Derek McInnes’ team to go in level through some terrible misses in front of goal.

Callum McGregor is ready for the challenge of facing Aston Villa at the iconic Villa Park this Wednesday night, describing the match as a chance to deliver a strong performance and finish the UEFA