Celtic are now firmly into the international break as several Bhoys jet off to represent their respective countries over the next week and a half.
While some stars will remain at Lennoxtown carrying out work on the training field, 13 Celtic stars are in action for their nations as supporters await for club football to return against Heart of Midlothian next weekend.
Unlike the last international break, there will be no mid-season friendly for Brendan Rodgers to run the rule over fringe stars, which was the case last time as the Hoops faced Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.
With that in mind, it is also worth noting this is the last period of time off some Celtic stars will be able to take advantage of until March, with the internationals set to take a seat on the backburner once the Nations League and other group phases across the globe conclude.
Excitement is palpable as the Scottish Premiership holders gear up for a lengthy stretch of matches, but Simon Donnelly is feeling mixed emotions about one particular matter while supporters await the return of the champions.
Simon Donnelly on Callum McGregor’s Celtic break
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Donnelly is feeling contrasting emotions about Callum McGregor’s international retirement, though has acknowledged that Celtic will be able to benefit from their captain claiming some respite after a loaded fixture run.
He stated: “I’m kind of mixed emotions with that because you’re seeing the benefit for Celtic, and I can understand his decision at the start of the season. I still think he’s one of our country’s best midfielders.
“He would play and he would help Scotland, so it’s mixed emotions, but I think the decision benefits Celtic. We saw his performance last week in the Champions League; he’s scored three or four goals already this season.
“He’s been at the top of his game, so as much as I’d love to see him in a Scotland jersey, but I understand his decision.”
Callum McGregor was right to retire from Scotland duty
Often contending with a congested calendar amid his exploits for club and country, it is only fair that McGregor gets a chance to put his feet up while his teammates feature on the international stage.
Last season, supporters saw the relentless commitment the captain had to both causes while chasing eventual title glory before featuring for Scotland at Euro 2024.
In the lead-up, McGregor overcame a season-ending scan to get himself fit for the run-in before heading off to Germany, which on reflection was a significant fitness risk to take in the prime of his career.
Thankfully, he can now recuperate in-house ahead of Celtic’s return away to Hearts next weekend at Tynecastle.
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