WORST NIGHTMARE FOR CELTICS;Celtic captain Callum McGregor has finally signed his retirement letter

Celtic captain Callum McGregor says retiring from international football has only benefitted him this season.

The central midfielder played his final game in the dark blue of Scotland at last summer’s European Championships.

He then announced he was stepping away from national team duties at the beginning of the current campaign, putting all of his eggs in the Celtic basket.

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“Just mentally as well. You have the little breaks within the season.

“You feel full of energy. I’ve been feeling good. Performances have been good as well, goal return has been good, assists have been good.

“The team, in general, has functioned a lot better from 12 months ago. Everything is in a much better place.”

Celtic are well on course to win their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title over the coming weeks.

Brendan Rodgers’ men require three more victories to crown themselves champions after a convincing win over Heart of Midlothian last weekend: “It was outstanding, especially against a team that changed their system and looked to come after you a little bit,” said McGregor.

“We were 3-0 up at half-time, and Hearts go into a low block in the second half. That’s the type of message we want to send.

“We want to be on the front foot all the time and make teams change if they have any thoughts of coming [to Celtic Park] and making things difficult.”