Callum McGregor has admitted Celtic’s painful Scottish Cup Final defeat to Aberdeen in May has been difficult to shake, but insists it’s only sharpened his desire for more silverware.

The Hoops skipper returned to Lennoxtown last week as pre-season training got underway, looking to put last season’s Hampden heartbreak behind him.

McGregor played a key role in Brendan Rodgers’ side winning the Premiership title, but the campaign ended on a sour note when Celtic lost out on penalties to Aberdeen, falling short of a domestic treble.

With preparations for next season now in full swing, McGregor has opened up on the sting of that final, and how it’s only increased his motivation heading into the new campaign.

He said: (STV Sport), “It was a tough moment, there’s no shying away from that.

“It’s the ones that you don’t win that stay with you and fuel the fire for you, so I had a couple of weeks off to digest it and try and find a positive somewhere in it.

“All it does is it makes me even more hungry to go and be successful and to win even more.

“Agony will fuel the fire for more glory.”

McGregor’s words are a clear signal of intent. The 32-year-old has been a driving force in Celtic’s recent success, and his mindset sets the tone for the squad as they chase more trophies next season.

Celtic’s treble-winning hopes may have been dashed at Hampden, but the captain’s reflection shows the high standards still being set within the dressing room.

With Brendan Rodgers preparing to bolster the squad further, McGregor’s leadership will be crucial as the club looks to compete on all fronts, domestically and in Europe.

The pain of last season’s final might linger, but McGregor has made it clear he’s already using it for next season.