Celtic captain Callum McGregor is enjoying a rare moment of rest during this international break, a significant shift from his usual routine.
The 31-year-old recently announced his retirement from international football after a series of discussions with Scotland manager Steve Clarke, marking the end of a dedicated and tireless period of service to his country.
McGregor’s decision to step away from international duty seems to have paid immediate dividends.
His form at the start of the Scottish Premiership season has been nothing short of spectacular, with the midfielder finding the net three times in four matches, each goal a long-range strike against Hibernian, St Mirren, and Rangers.
The reduced workload appears to have rejuvenated him, allowing Celtic to benefit from his renewed energy and focus.
In explaining his decision, McGregor cited the need to manage his career carefully as he enters its later stages.
The break from international football, he suggests, comes at the “right time” for him to ensure he can continue to perform at the highest level for his club. It’s a decision that, while understandable, leaves a significant void in the Scotland national team.
Aston Villa’s John McGinn, a regular for Scotland and a close teammate of McGregor’s on the international stage, has spoken about the impact of McGregor’s retirement.
In an interview with The Daily Record, McGinn paid tribute to McGregor’s exceptional professionalism and acknowledged the challenge Scotland faces in replacing his influence in the midfield.
“It’s not taken me by surprise. Cal’s not had a break in the summer for years. How he’s managed to do what he’s done is a credit to him. He’s a great professional, great teammate. And I’m sure if his body allowed him to carry on, he probably would have,” McGinn said.
He went on to highlight McGregor’s passion for playing for Scotland and his current form, noting, “The way he’s playing, the way he’s shooting from outside the box every game and finding the top corner, it’s certainly going to be a big loss for us.”
McGinn expressed understanding and respect for McGregor’s decision, while also recognizing the opportunity it presents for other players to step up.
“It’s been great to play alongside him, but Cal’s made his call and we respect it and support him. And hopefully someone could step up in his place,” McGinn added.
As Scotland looks to the future, the focus now shifts to identifying McGregor’s successor. Ryan Gauld has been called up to the current squad, and there is considerable interest in young talents like Motherwell’s Lennon Miller.
Additionally, Luke McCowan’s potential inclusion in future squads could be on the cards if he manages to secure regular playing time with the reigning Scottish champions.
For McGregor, the decision to step back from international duty appears to be a strategic one, aimed at preserving his career and continuing his influential role at Celtic. For Scotland, it’s a significant loss, but one that opens the door for a new generation of players to make their mark.