CALLUM McGregor last night issued an impassioned appeal to Celtic supporters – and insisted the Parkhead club can still complete 10-In-A-Row this season if they unite as one.
McGregor confessed the abuse and criticism that he and his team mates were subjected to during their disappointing run of two wins in 12 games had been hard to take.
They had missiles hurled at them following the Betfred Cup defeat to Ross County and their bus was attacked after their Premiership draw with St Johnstone.
There have also been calls for manager Neil Lennon to be sacked and threatening banners – including one saying “Shoot the Board” – have been hung on security fencing around the stadium.
The midfielder, who captained Lennon’s side to a morale-boosting 3-2 win over Lille in the Europa League on Thursday night, called on fans to end the unrest and help haul Celtic out of their crisis.
He is convinced the Scottish champions, who are 13 points behind Rangers in the league with two games in hand, can still make history in the 2020/21 campaign and win their 10th consecutive title if they do.
"It's been tough,” said McGregor. “I've been here for so long and it's part of you. You carry it about with you every day. That's just part and parcel of being from Glasgow.
"You grow up with this club. I've been here since I was eight, and it's difficult when the chips are down. You carry it with you every day and you think of ways to help and do better.
"It has been a tough time, but we never give up. This is a team with a strong mentality and good characters. Our job has more experienced boys is to help the younger ones through it.”
He added: "This is the time when we all have to stick together - players, management, board, fans, everyone. We need that togetherness as it can be a strong thing.
"That is my message - we need to be together. This club has been built on so much success by the principles of sticking together. We need to attack this on the front foot and it can be another good season for us.
"Everyone inside and outside the building wants the same thing, so this is the moment when we need to be together. We trust the process and go and really try to turn it around now.”
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