As Scotland head into the play-offs for the World Cup in Qatar – seeded no less – following a sixth consecutive win in qualifying and a 2-0 Hampden victory over Denmark, it’s fair to say anyone with even a passing interest in the national team is now sitting up and taking notice of the job Steve Clarke and his squad is doing.
There is a solid and organised identity to the side that has been developing slowly but surely and in recent times a real control of games has been added consistently.
Defensive frailties have been replaced by confidence defending their box and now the side look far more comfortable bringing the ball out from the back. Goals have now been added to the team as the likes of Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams find ways of finishing off chances created that had very much been a work in progress for too long.
Yet it is in midfield where the key to Scotland’s performances is now built. Of course, fans favourite for his all-action style and goalscoring threat from midfield is very much John McGinn, and the hopes for the future have very much been placed on the emerging ball progression and grace offered by young Billy Gilmour, yet at long last an overdue appreciation of Callum McGregor now appears to be emerging.
Against Moldova and Denmark Calmac made his 40th and 41st caps for the national team. A crazy figure when you consider the bizarre reticence to bring McGregor into the Scotland fold at all. Indeed, it was Malky McKay in his solitary match in charge and a 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands in November 2017 before McGregor gained his first cap and since then to gain 41 in four years must be comforting for the likes of David Turnbull, currently a peripheral figure, and Anthony Ralston now breathing down the neck of Motherwell’s Stephen O’Donnell for a chance to claim a place in Steve Clark’s squad ahead of the play-offs.
Yet despite those numbers there has always been an under-appreciation of McGregor at International level. As ever Callum McGregor goes under the radar somewhat, but much like at Celtic – as we saw with a drop off in results with a rare period of absence from the first team- Scotland would soon miss him when he’s gone.
McGregor’s deep lying playmaking talents at Celtic have flourished this season, and for Scotland his discipline and regular availability when showing for the ball allows John McGinn to drive forward without a look required in the rear-view mirror. Meanwhile young Gilmour benefits from the freedom he has to focus on his own development, whilst allowing McGregor to take the weight of midfield organisational responsibilities.
Andy Robertson may wear the armband but the leadership qualities exhibited week in week out at club level have very much transferred to international level with Callum McGregor. He is far from the type to shout from the rooftops about his own attributes, instead his quiet unassuming nature ensures everyone is aware he is a lead by example type rather than a shouter and bawler, but the impact of his consistent play has long been evident at club level and is now at last being appreciated at international level too.
Even recently there was evidence to suggest Scott McTominay’s Manchester united credentials appeared to impact on Callum McGregor’s selection in his preferred position, hopefully that notion has been put to bed. With recent performances showing perhaps McTominay is better served playing as a right sided centre half and guiding through the undoubted, but still raw, talents of Nathan Patterson at right wing back, there is clearly room for both players in Steve Clark’s first eleven. Yet even if it was a straight choice between McGregor and McTominay in midfield there can be few doubts left now as to who is the best option.
It may have taken an inordinate amount of time for Callum McGregor to be introduced to the international fold, and longer still to be fully appreciated as a vital cog in the Scotland wheel, but now there can be no doubt McGregor is just as important to Scotland as he is for Celtic. And if anyone deserves to exhibit their talents on a stage like the World Cup it’s Celtic’s captain. If Scotland are going to achieve that aim, McGregor’s inclusion in that well balanced midfield will be absolutely necessary.
Niall J
What a night that was.
Catch the highlights from our 2-0 victory over Denmark at a packed Hampden Park.#SCODEN pic.twitter.com/j2iVUaH9nF
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 17, 2021
