Charlie Mulgrew disagrees with Callum McGregor decision but accepts Celtic man ‘has his reasons’

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Callum McGregor is known for playing a lot of football.

As a consistent, naturally fit player with unique leadership qualities, Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers both viewed him as indispensable at Celtic.

This was very probably a factor in his decision to retire from Scotland duty after EURO 2024.

The decision was still a surprise at the time, given that McGregor was only 31.

Now that Steve Clarke’s men have qualified for the World Cup for the first time this century, there are predictable conversations about whether the Celtic captain should make a U-turn.

Charlie Mulgrew also captained Celtic, and knows McGregor well. He has weighed in on the debate.

Charlie Mulgrew on Celtic captain Callum McGregor

In Friday’s World Cup draw, Scotland were drawn into Group C, alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.

That Brazil tie would be a mouth-watering one for any player – McGregor will surely be having thoughts about it.

READ MORE: Callum McGregor reveals secret Wilfried Nancy talks on day before Celtic arrival

Mulgrew earned 44 Scotland caps in his career too, being named captain of his country during Alex McLeish’s brief second spell at the helm.

And for Mulgrew, speaking on the Let Me Be Frank podcast, making the same decision as McGregor was never a consideration.

He said: “I’d be there [at the World Cup]. I’m not Callum McGregor, I didn’t retire from playing for Scotland.

“So you’re asking a different question. He retired, I’d never retire from Scotland.

“He’ll have his own reasons, and I think it’s to prolong his Celtic career, because as you said, with the longer games, Scott Brown did the same.

“So many games at centre midfield, captain, leading, it’s a lot of pressure. They’re playing 60 games a year at times.

“To then also play for Scotland is a lot. But I decided that I wanted to continue for Scotland. I felt like I had a short career, and I want to play as long as I can there.”

Celtic players in the Scotland set-up

Scotland’s name likely wouldn’t have been in the hat if it weren’t for Celtic hero Kieran Tierney, who took the roof off of Hampden with his stunning winner against Denmark.

Anthony Ralston is the only other Celtic player who was involved in the Scotland squad that secured qualification.

Could any other Celts make it in? Clarke’s squad is quite thin at right-back, leading to Tierney’s recent deployment there. Colby Donovan is currently involved in the under-21s, and has shown special glimpses in the Hoops first-team.

Reliable contributor Luke McCowan has still never been called up by Clarke – Scotland could do worse than him.