Celtic too busy to think about Rangers - McGregor

Callum McGregor is excited about the new Champions League format

Callum McGregor says Celtic are taking nothing for granted going into the new campaign despite city rivals Rangers' summer problems and fine pre-season victories over Manchester City and Chelsea.

The captain says he is "excited" about Celtic's chances of progress in the new-look Champions League and that he and his team-mates are targeting lifting every domestic trophy.

Rangers will play their first few home games at Hampden Park after a delay to renovation work at Ibrox while manager Philippe Clement has suggested his side need "a big rebuild" in comparison to their Old Firm foes.

"It's not something we've spoken about or looked at," McGregor said. "We have our own set of problems and challenges that we have to face in order to get better as a club and as a squad of players.

"We're too busy trying to demand the very best of each other and what will be will be."

McGregor, 31, thinks Celtic showed in pre-season they have a "really strong" squad.

"But we can always add to that," the Scotland midfielder said. "We've got good quality, we've seen that over the last two or three years. There's a real good core."

The Champions League changes from a group stage to a 36-team league in September, with an initial four home games and four away.

"No-one quite knows what to expect yet, but I'm sure it will be exciting with a change of format," McGregor said.

"We know it’s difficult. It's a really high level playing against teams with a vast amount of resources.

"With the change of format, it maybe makes it a little bit easier for us to try and get one of those play-off places. We want to finish as high up in the table to get one of those."

Celtic begin the defence of their Premiership title at home to Kilmarnock on Sunday.

"Domestically, we are trying to win everything we are in - I don't think anyone is thinking any different from that," McGregor added.

"There is no arrogance in that. We want to be successful and we know it takes a lot of hard graft to get there and that starts at the weekend."