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.
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.
Scotland must ‘trust’ in manager Clarke – says Callum McGregor ⚽️⤵️
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) June 13, 2022
“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.
“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.
It’s Father’s Day this Sunday so why not order a copy of David Potter’s new book, Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style and we’ll get it posted straight away. You can order from Celtic Star Books – using the link below – or alternatively you can pick up a copy from any of the official Celtic Stores…
Alec McNair – Celtic’s Icicle by David Potter and both Invincible and Harry Hood Twice as Good by Matt Corr are also available from Celtic Star Books. Both of Matt’s book currently come with a free t-shirt featuring Tom Rogic or Harry Hood as part of our Father’s Day promotion.
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.