Callum McGregor insists Celtic can be considered worthy Premiership winners should the SPFL follow France's lead and crown his side champions.

PSG were awarded the Ligue 1 trophy this week after league chiefs opted to conclude the season early due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thomas Tuchel's side sat 12 points clear of Marseille with a game in hand.

Celts have a similarly strong lead over nearest challengers Rangers - 13 points - and, although McGregor and his teammates would prefer to mathematically secure their victory in the proper manner, the midfielder reckons his side cannot be grudged their ninth title in a row.

"Ideally the players and everyone at the club wants to finish the season on the pitch," he said. "We want to play the games as we were on fire in the second half of the season.

"We were galvanised after Dubai and you could see that winning mentality come to the fore. We were beating teams 4-0 and 5-0, and everyone was in such a good vein of form.

"It would take a monumental collapse from our side of things for us to throw it away. So I don't think anyone could grudge us the title if that decision has to be made. I certainly feel like we would be worthy champions if the games can't be played.

"You just need to look at our form, results and the way we were blowing teams away. With eight games to go, we felt we had a chance to extend the 13-point lead at the top.

"Considering the form and attitude of the players, we feel there was even more to come from us. But if the league season has to be called at this point, I feel we would be deserved champions."

As Celtic await the SPFL's decision on whether or not to wrap up the Premiership as they have done with the Championship, League One and League Two, McGregor says it will be a somewhat bittersweet, muted celebration should the proposal be green-lit.

An historic ninth title party in a row is one to be savoured, the 26-year-old believes. But he accepts that there are more important issues facing our national game and the country as a whole, during the COVID-19 crisis. "We are desperate to play the games and get the chance to finish off a really good campaign," he added. "You can't describe that feeling of lifting the trophy in front of 60,000 fans at Celtic Park. You play football for moments like that.

"It's why you put the hard yards in - to have that day of celebration in front of your support. You don't want to be robbed of that kind of moment, so of course we want to play the games.

"But there also has to be perspective. It's a horrendous situation that everyone is facing right now. There is a bigger picture out there and everyone's health and safety is obviously the main priority."