CELTIC CAPTAIN Callum McGregor is hoping that the Glasgow Derby away allocations can return to normal levels sooner rather than later.

Last month, it was announced that there would be no away fans in attendance for the remaining two fixtures of the season. The decision has been met with a lot of criticism, with many saying it takes away one of many things that the derby is renowned for. 

Celtic wanted all or nothing and had asked The Rangers to reconsider their stance, but they failed to budge, forcing the away fan lockout.

While the disagreement between the two clubs is not likely to be resolved soon, the Celtic captain is hoping his side can use the ‘hostile‘ atmosphere inside Parkhead to their advantage.

McGregor is optimistic that the ‘bigger allocations‘ of the past will return in the near future, as it contributes to the ‘unique‘ experience of a derby match.

Speaking ahead of the match, the Celtic captain said: [Daily Record]

“Hopefully as a spectacle we can get it back to where it was maybe a few years ago, where there was bigger crowds in the stadium.

“I think it just adds a little bit of something different. Of course we have to accept it for the time being, but my thought is that hopefully we can get back to having the bigger allocation that we have had a few years ago.

“Of course the place becomes more hostile, we‘ll be looking to use that to our advantage at the weekend. Hopefully we can harness that energy in the stadium and use it as a positive for us.”