Armenia v Scotland: “We have to show everyone we are hurt by what happened at the weekend,” Callum McGregor

Callum McGregor spoke to the media this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s crucial match away to Armenia as pressure mounts in Steve Clarke after two costly defeats against Ukraine and Republic of Ireland over the past fortnight.

The hammering in Dublin on Saturday afternoon was nothing short of embarrassing and the Tartan Army at the game made their feeling known at the final whistle of a 3-0 defeat, Ireland’s first win in three years since the beat minnows Gibraltar. McGregor accepted that the performance in Dublin fell well short of what would be acceptable and admitted that it was a bit of a head-scratcher that Scotland could have performed so poorly after having built up an impressive level of consistency in previous camps.

Steve Clarke, manager of Scotland shakes hands with Callum McGregor at the final whistle during the FIFA World Cup Play-off between Scotland and Ukraine at Hampden on June 1, 2022. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

McGregor was anxious to confirms won backing for Steve Clarke who today admitted that he has significant injury worries for tomorrows must win match in the heat of Armenia, who incidentally beat the Irish there last week.

“The manager has done a great job,” the Celtic captain said, as reported by BBC. “Look at where the national team was when he came in. He’s made a huge impact, getting us to the first tournament in 23 years and a play-off semi-final, which is the closest we’ve been to a World Cup for many, many years as well.

“There’s a building process in place. By no means are we the finished article or do we think that we have arrived. There’s a lot of work to be done and the players and staff all understand that.

McGregor is adamant “the blueprint for success is there. It’s about trying to learn from it, the small details. We have to stick together when we come under criticism. That’s the time when you stand together as a group.

11th June 2022 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland UEFA Nations League football, Republic of Ireland versus Scotland Callum McGregor of Scotland with protective head gear.  Photo ActionPlus Peter Fitzpatrick

“Of course there is big pressure off the back of a disappointing performance. Everyone looks at the next one and asks ‘right what are they going to do? Will they fold or come back strong?’ We have to give a positive performance and find a positive result.

“We have to show everyone we are hurt by what happened at the weekend.”

Armenia v Scotland  kicks off at 5pm on Tuesday, 14 June. The game is being played at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium with both sides desperate for a win.  The Nations League tie is live on Premier Sports, coverage starting at 4.30pm.

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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

1 Comment

  1. Clarke needs to have faith in himself and his players and play a team (and system) capable of creating chances and scoring goals, as well as defend…think he needs to ditch his 3 Centre Back system and go with a back 4.

    How Adams continuously gets a start ahead of the other Centre Forwards i don’t know, guy turns like a bus and there are clearly better options in the squad, and even some who didn’t make the squad.

    Christie isn’t a Centre Forward, or even a forward, he’s always looked out his depth playing that far forward leading a line; he is a decent Midfielder, though i wouldn’t be picking him ahead of McGregor, McGinn or Turnbull.