Celtic need ‘five or six wins’ out of seven to clinch the title – Callum McGregor

“The top five teams are very competitive, so there are points to play for,” McGregor added.

However, when McGregor was told that Celtic might have to win all seven of their remaining matches, he replied: “We’ll see whether we need to win them all or not, but I think we have to move on.

“Sure, you have to win at least five or six to have a good chance.”

Celtic, whose recent loss angered their fans, return to action after the international break when they travel to face Dundee on Sunday 5 April.

“We know where we are and I think this is the time to calm down,” McGregor said. “I understand, it’s emotional, people will be emotional and angry about the result.

“Nothing more than the players. It’s their life, what they bring to the game and what they give to the club. But, at a time like this, you have to be calm. We’ve been here many times.”

McGregor believes the rare three-way title race is largely down to Celtic – who are 17 points behind where they were at the same stage last season – underperforming.

“I think we probably made it a little bit ourselves, if I’m honest,” he said.

“Now there is a big challenge. We have faced tough challenges over the years, but there were probably only two teams [Celtic and Rangers] Go for it.

“Now obviously there are three and you have to be able to compete in every game.

He added: “We need to come back from the break, train well and make sure we are doing enough, make the team look the way we want, attack in the last seven games, and see where we get to.”