Euro 2024 has proven to be a disappointment for Celtic fans, particularly following Scotland’s crushing 5-1 defeat to Germany. The anticipation had been palpable, with Celtic’s quartet of Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Anthony Ralston, and Greg Taylor poised to face formidable opponents like Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary.
This group of players forms part of a Scotland team widely regarded as one of the best in a generation, raising hopes that Steve Clarke’s side could finally advance beyond the group stages—a feat never before achieved by Scotland. Despite the setback against Germany, progression is still possible, though the defeat has dampened expectations and directed undue criticism at Celtic captain, Callum McGregor.
Peter Grant, the former Celtic hero, has passionately defended McGregor in the face of this criticism, particularly from former Rangers manager Graeme Souness. Souness appeared to single out McGregor for blame in Scotland’s defeat, a stance that Grant vehemently opposed.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, Grant articulated his frustration: “I’d have put John McGinn closer to the front. I know they’d done that later on with Christie. I thought it was too late then. I thought we should have been more direct because we tried to play out, we weren’t good enough.
“I was listening to people criticising Callum McGregor. You could have been Pirlo playing in the middle of the pitch and you wouldn’t have got a touch of the ball. Yes, I know the boy’s danced by him inside the box, which is very difficult when you are running at 100 miles an hour to stop. Yes, you’re supposed to adjust your feet and move your feet. Yes, we understand that. That sometimes happens in the moments in the game. People have danced by me at times on the edge of the box. So I know what it’s like.
“And you have seen it later with top-quality players doing that. But to blame him for not getting on the ball. I mean, the distribution from the back and beyond was really, really poor.”
Grant’s defense underscores the broader reality that Germany’s dominance would have posed insurmountable challenges for even the world’s best players. The criticism directed solely at McGregor was seen as unjust by many, including a large segment of Celtic supporters.
Criticism should be fair and balanced, especially in the context of a team sport. The targeting of McGregor has riled Celtic fans, who felt Souness’s comments were particularly harsh.
Looking ahead, there is hope that McGregor can channel this criticism into a stellar performance. A strong showing against Switzerland could significantly bolster Scotland’s chances of advancing from the group, providing a much-needed morale boost for both the team and their fans. Tonight’s match against the Swiss is pivotal, and all eyes will be on the Celtic captain to see if he can lead Scotland to a crucial victory.