Callum McGregor and the Scotland squad are going through their final preparations for one of the country’s biggest matches in recent years.
Steve Clarke’s side have the honour of opening this summer’s EURO 2024 tournament against Germany in Munich on Friday night, with all eyes on the continent looking to see if they can pull off a big upset.
It’s far from an easy test up against some world-class players but Scotland will fancy themselves as underdogs. They are capable of gutsy and punchy performances when at their best.
Celtic captain McGregor will be at the heart of the performance, fancied to line up in a midfield area against Toni Kroos and company.
One of his international teammates – Billy Gilmour – reckons that McGregor is a role model for everyone within the Scotland group and actually isn’t heralded enough.
Billy Gilmour on Callum McGregor
The Brighton & Hove midfielder said [The Herald]: “Callum is the ultimate professional. The way he goes about his day, his training, his life, he is the ultimate professional. For me he is a great role model. He is always trying to get the best out of you.
“In games, I don’t think he gets enough credit for what he does, how he ticks over and is always communicating.
“For me coming into the squad Callum was obviously the number one midfielder. When you watch him play there are lots of things he does which are really good to watch and help you a lot.”
McGregor has been involved in plenty of big matches throughout his career. He’ll keep himself calm and composed up against Germany despite the magnitude of the occasion.
The midfielder actually scored Scotland’s only goal of the last Euros so we know he can step up in these moments.
Every Celtic supporter will be hoping he shines at this year’s tournament, leaving no-one in doubt about how important he is for club and country.