BOSS URGED TO AXE EX-CELT

FORMER Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew must be AXED by Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

That’s the hard-hitting view of one-time Scots international centre-back Kenny Burns, the Nottingham Forest legend.

Mulgrew, 33, played in the dismal back-to-back Euro 2020 qualifying defeats against Russia, who won 2-1 after gifting their opponents a goal of a start on Friday, and also the 4-0 trouncing from Belgium on Monday night with the Scots failing to take advantage of the games being played at Hampden.

The defence toiled in both confrontations and were bailed out from further embarrassment after two solid performances from keeper David Marshall, the ex-Celt coming in from the international wilderness to take over from Craig Gordon and Scott Bain as Clarke’s first pick.

Burns, who won 20 international caps, speaking to the Scottish Sun, insisted: “I watched the game and I get that Belgium are a world-class side. But I thought we were disappointing and should have done a lot better.

“I always look at the centre of defence and I like Liam Cooper. He’s playing in a good Leeds United side who were unlucky not to get promoted last season.

“He’s 28, so he should be approaching his peak and I think he’s one Steve Clarke should be persevering with.

“The same can’t be said of Charlie Mulgrew.

“I’m 65 and Charlie made his debut before me!

“Mulgrew’s on loan at Wigan and he’s there for a reason. Blackburn wouldn’t have let him go if he was one of their better players.”