Callum McGregor has branded Celtic's trip to Portugal as vital after he made his long-awaited return from injury.

The Parkhead skipper has been out of action for two months after limping off against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

However, he was back on the pitch for Celtic - albeit in a friendly - against Rennes in Portugal on Saturday.

McGregor is now back fit after his knee injury and was involved in the 4-3 loss to the Ligue 1 side.

While the result was a little disappointing for the Celtic captain, he was thrilled to be back out on the pitch.

"Being back amongst the boys and playing was great," McGregor told Celtic TV after making his injury comeback.

"Just to get back in full training and play today after a long period off and injury, it was just good to be back on the pitch.

"It has been vital (the Portugal training camp). I have been trying to work as hard as I can to get as fit as possible for the games when we go back.

"You can't replicate playing matches. As soon as you go into a match scenario everything becomes a lot more competitive."

Matt O'Riley scored a double against Rennes in the high-scoring defeat with Kyogo Furuhashi scoring the only other goal for Ange Postecoglou's side.

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