​Making the grade at Celtic has been my only goal says Dane MurrayCeltic centre-half Dane Murray has spoken of his delight at finally getting a run of games in the Celtic first team…October 15, 2026, Lisbon, Portugal: Dane Murray L of Celtic FC and Georgiy Sudakov R of SL Benfica seen in action during the UEFA Europa League Matchday 2 between SL Benfica and Celtic FC at Estadio da Luz Stadium. Final score SL Benfica 4 :1 Celtic FC Lisbon Portugal – Photo Hugo AmaralAnd the right-sided central defender has admitted that leaving the club in a bid to get more first team exposure has never even entered his mind.A Celtic debut under Ange PostecoglouSince making his first team bow under Ange Postecoglou in 2021, Dane has suffered several injury set backs which have derailed his development and seen him fall out of first team contention, but he’s never even considered leaving Celtic to strengthen his chances of first team football.Dane Murray of Celtic is seen during the UEFA Europa League match between Celtic FC and Celta Vigo at Celtic Park on October 22, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)The centre-back was a target for Dundee in the summer, when Steven Pressley wanted to sign Murray on loan after he didn’t play much at Celtic last season. However, the 23 year old opted to remain with the Hoops, and has now started four games in a row, after Cameron Carter Vickers suffered an injury, with Auston Trusty also absent due to the sad passing of his father.Dane Murray of Celtic controls the ball during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on October 18, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Transfer speculation ignored by Dane MurrayDane Murray said via Glasgow Times: “A lot of speculation was around Dundee at the time, but for me it was ultimately just to keep my head down. I don’t really listen to that stuff.“I think I always want to play here, that’s my main focus. My main objective is to play at Celtic and be here for as long as I can do.”October 15, 2026, Lisbon, Portugal: Colby Donovan L of Celtic FC and Gianluca Prestianni R of SL Benfica seen in action during the UEFA Europa League Matchday 2 between SL Benfica and Celtic FC at Estadio da Luz Stadium. Final score SL Benfica 4 :1 Celtic FC Lisbon Portugal – Photo Hugo Amaral IMAGODelight at playing alongside close pal Colby DonovanMurray also expressed his delight at playing with his friend, Colby Donovan, who has been a regular in the right-back position. “We’re right good pals, so it’s good playing alongside him,” said the 23-year-old. “We do a lot off the pitch together. Everyone’s really close in the group. We all get on really well, so it’s good to have a team full of mates.”He added: “It’s massive,” said the academy graduate. They’re all international players. They’ve made plenty of appearances for this club, so if I can take a wee bit off them, I’ll be doing alright.”Dane Murray of Celtic during th