Callum McGregor – “The outstanding footballer on the park”, “top drawer”, “absolutely brilliant”

Callum McGregor was absolutely magnificent last night in Vienna as Scotland beat Austria 1-0 in this vital World Cup qualifier. The result in Copenhagen where runaway group leaders Denmark thrashed Israel 5-0 was also a very favourable result for Steve Clarke’s Scotland.

Next up is Israel at Hampden next month (9 October) followed by away games against Faroe Islands (12 October) and Moldova (12 November) – three wins and that should be more than enough for Scotland who finish the group at home to Denmark (15 November).

Austria vs Scotland. Callum McGregor and Konrad Laimer. Photo: Philipp Brem

I suppose the bad news is that’s two more dreaded international breaks to endure in between intense bursts of Celtic action, and we’re back after this international break with a home match against Ross County on Saturday (3pm).

But back to last night and Scotland had plenty of top performers and you could make a case for selecting former Hoops stars Kieran Tierney or Jack Hendry as worth Man of the Match candidates but for me Callum McGregor was the outstanding footballer on the park, he was magnificent and plenty agreed with that assessment, McGregor you may have noticed is trending this morning on Twitter. Let’s have a look at what’s being said…

Callum McGregor is top drawer, Lucky to have him at Celtic still…

Callum McGregor has been excellent. Actions speak louder than words…

Midfield three of McGregor, Gilmour and McGinn is brilliant to watch at times. Incredibly talented players and have further options that can come into that position too…

Austria vs Scotland. David Alaba AUT and Callum McGregor. Photo Philipp Brem

Now THAT is a result. Credit where it’s due, Scotland superb tonight and Steve Clarke will rightly be crowing in the post-match. McGregor MOTM – thought he was outstanding, showed everything about him, most crucially how impressive a technical talent he is…

Hendry, Hanley & Tierney defended the box like warriors. Gilmour just oozed class and that was McGregor’s best performance in a Scotland shirt. Adams should get more shots away but, even so, he adds so much. Need that athleticism up top. We looked a real threat on the break…

Louis Schaub and Callum McGregor. Photo: Philipp Brem

I just love Callum McGregor so much honestly. What a player. If you don’t understand just how good and important he is for Scotland then am sorry but football isn’t the sport for you. He was absolutely tremendous tonight…

All I hear is praise for Billy Gilmour but Callum McGregor is by far the best Scotland player on the park tonight…

Probably not quite man of the match but Callum McGregor was absolutely brilliant. Composure, awareness in and out of possession and a great drive…

Callum McGregor is challenged during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match at Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna. Photo Florian Schrotter

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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