International football isn’t for every Celtic fan.
For many, however, watching their Celtic heroes pit their wits against the best players in world football provides a different perspective on the Celtic first-team squad.
Steve Clarke’s team have been struggling on the international stage of late. Prior to Scotland’s 4-0 win over Liechtenstein last night, the national side had won just one of their last 13 fixtures.
And to combat that, Celtic hero Scott Brown has told the Scotland boss that there is a player at Parkhead right now that could change their fortunes.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesScott Brown tells Scotland they need Celtic captain Callum McGregor ‘back’
Callum McGregor retired from international football over a year ago and it has been to the benefit of Brendan Rodgers.
The Celtic captain had flourished last season without the rigours of Scotland duty but Brown reckons his country really need McGregor now.
Brown told the BBC, “The pairing of Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay is one that’s got to flourish. You know what you’re getting with John McGinn.
“Clarke likes Kenny McLean because of his experience. Ryan Christie is favoured as a 10, too, so there are plenty of legs in there.
“But the perfect scenario is to get Callum McGregor back. He is the one that ticks all the boxes. He can sit, he can go forward. I know he is retired but that is what Scotland are looking for.”
Callum McGregor’s impressive Scotland record as Celtic fans will reject return
There will barely be a single Celtic supporter who would welcome McGregor reversing his Scotland retirement.
McGregor is benefiting from longer rest periods and since he hung up his Scotland boots, his goalscoring return at Celtic has increased.
However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that the Celtic captain still had an impressive Scotland career:
- Appearances: 63
- Goals: 3
- Tournament appearances: Euro 2020 (3) & Euro 2024 (3)
- Biggest win: Scotland 6 v 0 San Marino – 13.10.2019
- Most important win: Scotland 2 v 0 Spain – 28.03.2023
At 31, McGregor is nearing the end of his career and adding Scotland duty will only accelerate that process. Whilst Brown’s comments are complimentary, Celtic fans will say, ‘Thanks, but no thanks.’