CELTIC’S QUIET MAN SWERVES SPOTLIGHT
CELTIC skipper Callum McGregor’s masterful performance for Scotland in the well-merited 2-0 win over Spain at a bouncing Hampden last night went largely unnoticed.
The Hoops’ influential onfield leader, who was making his 51st international appearance, hardly put a foot wrong as he patrolled the middle of the park as Steve Clarke’s men powered to the top of their Euro 2024 qualifying group following two back-to-back wins.
McGregor played every minute of the victories over Cyprus, 3-0 at the weekend, and against Luis de la Fuente’s team who never recovered from Scott McTominay’s goals in each half.
As the 29-year-old Parkhead inspiration linked play, others stepped into the spotlight.
MAKING A POINT…Callum McGregor in control against Spain.
Manchester United’s towering McTominay took centre stage with his second double salvo in successive performances at the national stadium.
It was a display that impressed former Celtic keeper David Marshall, now with Hibs, who watched the action at a sold-out venue.
The ex-Scots No.1, stepped down from the international platform last year at the age of 38, said: “There were so many good performances from Scotland.
“But I’m happy for Scott. He works so hard and is an incredible athlete.”He shown over the last two games that he’s good for a goal, as well. They were two incredible strikes with his left foot against Spain.
“He produced a brilliant performance and I’m sure people at Manchester United will be taking note ahead of the weekend.”
Marshall also applauded the efforts of boss Steve Clarke and, speaking to Sky Sports, continued: “It’s easy to say how well it has gone when you are winning games.
A BIG HAND…Callum McGregor applauds the Scotland fans after a momentous 2-0 Euro 24 win.
“Initially we struggled. We won our first game under Clarke, but then we had Belgium and Russia twice and lost four games.
“He made a lot of changes to the squad. He knew exactly what he wanted, what type of character he wanted within the squad and he built it.
“It was a real close-knit squad that got us to the Euros and with international football there is always a lot of turnover, but he’s added to it.
“There are fantastic young players coming in and it is just a great mix. It’s a great blend of players and the manager has to take enormous credit for what he’s done. It’s so big for Scotland that he’s signed a new contract.
“We’ve had plenty of disappointments in the past, but that is a huge win. Let’s hope we can kick on now, qualify for Euro 2024 and then make it a regular occurrence at major tournaments.
The Easter Road skipper and netminder added: “Clarke doesn’t show much emotion. He’s very much for the players. He backs his players, and that dressing room will be bouncing.
“It will be an extremely happy camp after that.
“The tactics were spot on and Spain didn’t really lay a glove on Scotland. The win could have been by more and a huge amount of credit has to go to the manager.”