CALLUM McGregor is back on the goal trail after two months of frustration.

The Celtic youngster could not have timed it better as he battles to keep his starting place for Thursday's Europa League tie against Astra.

McGregor slammed home the Hoops' second goal in the 5-0 demolition of Ross County, finally getting his tally moving again up after stalling on the four strikes which marked his eye-catching start to his first season in the top team.

Three of those goals came in Europe. And, having lost his place in the starting XI after succumbing to a virus which ruled him out of last month's win over Dinamo Zagreb, McGregor is desperate to get his chance when Astra come to Parkhead this week.

Celtic sit on top of Group D with four points going into this double-header against the Romanians and he said: "I feel we can win our section. We have started well with the draw and the win, and I definitely feel that, if we can beat Astra on Thursday, we can go on and top the group.

"Six points from the two matches would be massive for us, and that's what we're looking for."

McGregor knew it was vital to get back to winning at Dingwall ahead of this tie, having sat and watched his team-mates toil against Hamilton in their previous match.

That defeat brought heavy criticism, and the attacking midfielder believes Saturday allowed the players to get it out of their system.

"There were some frustrations taken out," he explained. "We knew we had to make a statement in Dingwall, and I felt we did that. We started unbelievably well with two quick goals, and just went from strength to strength."

The challenge now is to retain this level of domination and finishing against Astra, and McGregor acknowledges this will be a tougher test.

He said: "Everything went our way in Dingwall and that was clear. But the boys will be able to switch their focus to the different type of game against Astra.

"It will be different. But, hopefully, we'll have quite a lot of the ball and can create a few chances. We need to maintain our levels.

"There have been good performances already this season, but the key is to go again and get consistency looking for points on the board."

That is true in the SPFL as much as it is in the Europa League, with Hamilton remaining six points clear of fifth-placed Celtic.

Asked if it is embarrassing to look at the league table, McGregor answered honestly: "It is a bit. The new manager has come in and there has been some transition, but we should be good enough to win our games every week.

"Hopefully, Dingwall kick-starts things and we can go again on Thursday."