Callum McGregor doesn’t mind missing out on Christmas shopping.
The midfielder has been at the heart of Celtic’s autumn revival with controlled and driving displays alongside Ryan Christie.
McGregor has just came through a period of three matches in seven days, after a quick breather he’ll be in for the same again starting with the visit of RB Salzburg on Thursday night.
The tills may be ringing merrily at Silverburn, Braehead and across the city centre but with goals, games and glory to chase the 25-year-old will concentrate his attention elsewhere.
“There won’t be much time for Christmas shopping, or parties,” he joked as he looked at Celtic’s December schedule.
“It’s a tough run of fixtures but this group of players is used to it, we know what to expect and how to handle it.
“We know how to switch from European to domestic matches and have proven ourselves over the last couple of seasons.
“Being a part of this run is fantastic, nobody ever takes winning trophies for granted, if anything it makes us more determined to keep on winning.
“We know that we are part of something special, everyone has their contribution to make.
“I don’t mind where I’m asked to play, being part of a squad that has won seven trophies in a row is great but we know that there are always fresh challenges.”
McGregor has been a classic success story under Brendan Rodgers.
Midfield places at Celtic have been at a premium but throughout various phases of Rodgers’ side the kid from the Academy has played his part.
A combination of starring performances and big match goals have cemented his place in the side and the recognition of his team-mates, opponents and managers.
McGregor was a relatively late developer- he watched most of his youth team colleagues make their debuts before Ronny Deila picked him to start against KR Reykjavik a month after his 21st birthday- and has barely looked back.
“I’m not far off my 200th appearance,” he stated with 45 of those matches coming in Europe, yielding nine goals.
“When you join the club you dream of making your debut then there are other landmarks to aim for, scoring your first goal, winning your first trophy.
“I’m delighted with the way things have worked out, you can’t really imagine being part of so much success when you are just looking to get that first game.
“This club is about winning, you learn that at a very young age and there’s lots more for this side to achieve.”
Last week’s Betfred Cup victory over Aberdeen was McGregor’s ninth Hampden winners medal with three Betfred Cup medals and two Scottish Cup winners medals sitting alongside four medals from the SFA Youth Cup.
CLICK HERE for details of McGregor’s first Hampden winners medal
