Scotland manager Steve Clarke has picked out Callum McGregor as an underrated gem in his current side. McGregor has been brilliant for club and country for some time now but the emergence of Billy Gilmour and the goalscoring exploits of John McGinn often results in McGregor being overlooked for praise.
McGregor, who scored the only goal for the Scots at the Euros, has been instrumental in bringing Clarke’s side into the World Cup Play-Offs, playing both in deeper defensive roles and in attacking positions if need be. Clarke told Sky Sports that he thinks that the brilliant Celtic skipper is overlooked, despite quality performances.
“I think in midfield, you look at Callum McGregor.
“He sometimes maybe gets overlooked because Billy gets the headlines, but Callum McGregor’s had a really good year with the international team. He was a standout, him and Ryan Jack, against Serbia.
“Callum has continued on a really good level for the national team. Obviously now he’s captain of Celtic and he’s got that responsibility and the more captains you’ve got on the pitch the better.”
☑️ Qualify for a major tournament
☑️ Six consecutive wins
☑️ Reach World Cup playoffs
☑️ Debuts for Gilmour, Adams & moreAfter an amazing year Scotland boss Steve Clarke discusses the above & much more including the special Tartan Army! Click below to see the full Q&A🏴
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 24, 2021
McGregor has been named in 24 of Clarke’s Starting XIs since the Ayrshire-born manager took over from Alex McLeish in 2019. Clarke has realised the importance of McGregor to the success of his current project, affording McGinn the ability to get forward while complimenting his teammates around him.
Scotland will play Ukraine at Hampden in March with the view of a Final against Wales later that month on the line for a place in the 2022 World Cup.
