The Parkhead captain brought the curtain down on his international career last year
Scotland’s Callum McGregor during a UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier between Scotland and Spain(Image: SNS Group)
Callum McGregor says he’s not thinking about jumping on the Scotland World Cup bandwagon. But the Hoops midfielder has refused to slam the door on the prospect of a dramatic return to the fold.
McGregor retired from international duty on the back of Euro 2024 to focus on his Celtic career. The Parkhead skipper has been thrilled to see Steve Clarke ’s side shatter the 28-year hoodoo to bag a precious place at next summer’s extravaganza in North America.
McGregor – who will turn 33 during next summer’s World Cup – said: “To be honest, it’s not something I’ve thought of. Obviously the guys have done amazingly, they qualified in the last international break.
“I’ve lot of good teammates and good friends in there, so I’m extremely happy for them. And for me, I just want to concentrate on the job I’ve got here. I don’t want to get drawn into anything like that, I’ve got a big, big job here, change of manager soon probably, so I’ll just keep trying to play well and help the team and whatever will be, will be.”
Meanwhile, McGregor insists Hoops ace Arne Engels is providing plenty of bang for his bucks. The Belgian playmaker has hit top form under caretaker boss Martin O’Neill after stalling at the start of the season.
Engels landed last summer in a club record £11million deal from German side Augsburg and struggled to live up to the massive fee.
But McGregor said: “Listen, I love Arne, he’s some player for a kid, maybe 22 now.
“He was 21 when he came in with a big price tag last year. Maybe people unfairly judge him based on that, but he’s a tremendous player, who plays with a big heart and big energy and will always get better, because he has the right attitude.
“So, it’s our job to make him continue to grow. I was delighted for him on Sunday. He was outstanding on Thursday night, so hopefully he recovers, and we go again [against Dundee] on Wednesday.”