Callum McGregor has admitted he feared his drink-drive shame could have cost him his Celtic career.

Almost a year ago the Parkhead midfielder was stopped in Glasgow on February 5 almost four times over the limit.

Just 22 at the time, McGregor was later banned for a year from driving at Glasgow Sheriff Court as a result of the incident in the Robroyston area of the city.

It was a dark period for the promising star who had burst on to the scene a season earlier, earning a bumper five-year contract in August 2014.

Reflecting on the whole saga and how he worried for his future, McGregor said: “I think obviously there was that sort of feeling about it.

“You don’t know how anybody’s going to take it in that way but it’s finished now so that’s it and we just move on from that.

“You have good people, your family, around about you. Obviously I did wrong and it was about trying to stabilise myself and really focus on my football. I think I did that and I think it proved to be beneficial off the pitch and on the pitch.

“Life is always about experiences and you have to learn as well. It was important for me to try and knuckle down and focus on my job and play football.

“It was a bad mistake. You have to learn from it. Now it’s positive on the other side of things, I’ve learned a lot. I’m just trying to take that on really.”

It was a cross roads in the career of one of the brightest talents to come through the Celtic academy in recent years, however he has responded and repaid the loyalty shown to him by the club.

McGregor has triumphed over adversity to become one of manager Brendan Rodgers’ go-to players in midfield. His work rate and high-energy thrusting him into the Celtic boss’ pressing game style along with the likes of Stuart Armstrong.

He said: “Everyone is always looking to move forward and bring in new signings all the time. I’ve faced that challenge in the past and come through it as well so I’m looking forward to it, it’s something that I’ll relish.

“It’s a good challenge for me, it’s a good challenge for the rest of the boys as well to keep our place in the team. Signings bring that competition and enhance the group so I think everyone looks forward to it.”