Celtic have enjoyed the fruits of Callum McGregor not playing international football anymore.
After the conclusion of Euro 2024, McGregor opted to retire from Scotland duty, despite still having plenty of years left in the tank.
The 32-year-old has watched on from the sidelines since, as Steve Clarke continued to work his magic, including booking Scotland’s 2026 World Cup ticket.
So, could the Celtic Park faithful see McGregor back in their national colours, and perhaps join Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston in North America next summer?
Should Steve Clarke ask Celtic captain Callum McGregor to revoke his Scotland retirement for the 2026 World Cup?
What could result in Callum McGregor returning to Scotland
McGregor started every game for Scotland at Euro 2024, and since then, several new faces have risen to the forefront of Clarke’s midfield plans.
Speaking on Clyde 1, David Friel was reacting to the suggestion of McGregor coming out of retirement, but he feels only a ‘spate of injuries’ would result in that happening.
Friel stated that he can’t see the Celtic skipper ringing up Clarke, and asking if there is a ticket available for him next summer.
“Callum McGregor is more than good enough to still be playing for Scotland and be in the Scotland team,” stated Friel.
“But I think it would only come about if Scotland really needed him. If there was a spate of injuries in that midfield area.
“I don’t think Callum McGregor is suddenly going to call up Steve Clarke and say, ‘Oh, we are at the World Cup. Can I come back?’ I doubt it would work that way.
“Would he help Scotland at the World Cup? Of course he would. I think it would probably be Callum McGregor answering an SOS, as opposed to anything else.”
What are Scotland’s midfield options?
For Scotland’s dramatic win over Denmark, Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie started in the middle of the park, with John McGinn deploying a wider role.
If Billy Gilmour wasn’t injured, then he would have probably started ahead of Ferguson.
But these are the midfield options available to Clarke, from players he has used or have been called up to the main squad in recent times.
- John McGinn
- Scott McTominay
- Lewis Ferguson
- Ryan Christie
- Kenny McLean
- Lennon Miller
- Connor Barron
- Andy Irving
- Billy Gilmour
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