CALLUM McGREGOR has quit international football and will now be able to concentrate totally on Celtic.
The 63 times-capped Hoops captain admitted it had been a “difficult” decision to retire from playing for Scotland, but he knows the timing is right.
McGregor has performed for his country for the past 16 years at all youth levels since 2008, and across the last seven years has been an integral part of the Scotland full team.
UP IN ARMS…Callum McGregor patrols the Scotland midfield.
His last involvement will have been the Euro 24 Championships in Germany when he celebrated his 31st birthday in the match against the hosts which unfortunately ended in a 5-1 loss.
The Hoops onfield leader also played against Switzerland (1-1) and Hungary (0-1) and has now decided to call it a day.
McGregor said: “I have made a decision which was very difficult, of course, but a decision which I feel is the right one at the right time.
“It was very important I spoke to Steve Clarke and I did that this week to make him aware of my intentions. As I said to Steve, I just felt the time is right for me to move on from international football.
“It has been a huge honour to achieve 63 caps for my country. Appearing just once would have been a dream come true, so to achieve 63 and be inducted into the Roll of Honour at 50 caps is something I could only have dreamed of as a young kid.
“Throughout my career, I wanted to make myself available for Scotland at all times and whenever selected, give the absolute maximum possible to help the country and represent the supporters with passion and pride.”
McGregor, speaking to the Celtic club website, continued: “International football has been a really important part of my career where I have learned so much and achieved some incredible highs.
ON THE BALL…Callum McGregor in the thick of the Scotland action.
“That famous night in Serbia being one of the very best and I have been blessed to share these experiences with some great people.
“Playing for Scotland always meant so much to me and reaching two major tournaments will always be a source of real pride. Scoring at Hampden in the Euros in front of our fantastic supporters will always be a special highlight for me.
“Of course, like many others I wish we could have gone further in these competitions, but, nonetheless, it has been a privilege to have played for my country on such a stage and to have represented my country for such a long period.”
The Celtic skipper added: “I have worked with some excellent managers, team-mates and staff and I thank them all for their incredible efforts during the time we have had together.
“I would like to wish Steve, the current Scotland players and all the players who follow me nothing but success for the future.
“I also want to give special and sincere thanks to the Scotland fans who have supported me so brilliantly during my time.
“The level of passion and commitment which our fans bring is second to none and something which I will always remember.”
McGregor is now free to concentrate completely on club commitments and he will be in his usual place for the champions when he leads his team-mates into the encounter against Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday.
