Celtic's Irish contingent handle pressure 'amazing well'

BBC News

08-07-2025

Captain Callum McGregor believes Celtic's Irish players have done "amazingly well" to "accept the pressure" that comes with representing the club.Liam Scales, Adam Idah and Jonny Kenny are all in line to feature in their homeland tonight (Tuesday, 8 July) as Celtic take on Cork City at GAA stadium Pairc Ui Chaoimh.It's the first time the Scottish champions have faced the League of Ireland side in 16 years and McGregor is looking forward to the "special occassion"."It's been a while since we've been in that part of Ireland," the formed Scotland international said. "It feels so nice to come over and see the fans, let everybody see us in the flesh and hopefully give the best version of ourselves while we prepare for another long season."We're all looking forward to it. It's a special stadium and we want to go there and put on a show, just show the best of ourselves and hopefully have that connection with the supporters as well."When we get to come over and see everyone in person, then it's always a special occasion. We just want to come over and try and give the best."It's the second pre-season friendly game for Brendan Rodgers side after they narrowly beat Championship outfit Queen's Park on Friday, thanks to Sligo-born Kenny, who began to break into the squad at the tail end of last season.His fellow striker Idah has been subject to criticism from sections of the support since his reported £9.5 million, but captain McGregor insists they handle the "demand" enforced on them."The expectation at Celtic is enormous for the local lads and for the Irish lads as well that come over, there's a huge expectation," added McGregor. "I think everyone in Ireland would give their right hand to play for Celtic so straight away there's a huge expectation, a huge demand on the guys that come."They need a little bit of time to adapt and accept that pressure but I think the boys who have done it have done it amazingly well and are a really strong part of the squad, so that's testament to them."