As the Euros enters into its climactic end of the week for Scotland, Steve Clarke has praised one Celtic player’s performance in last night’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
In a must-not-lose game for Scotland, the Dark Blues got off to a flying start after Celtic captain, Callum McGregor, had a hand in the opening goal for Steve Clarke’s side.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough after a stray pass from Anthony Ralston allowed Shaqiri to fire home an equaliser which meant both teams shared the spoils to leave the final group game fixtures on Sunday night on a knife-edge.
For Scotland, a win against the Hungarians means that qualification as the best-placed third team is pretty much nailed on.
But that wouldn’t have been possible without last night’s result and Steve Clarke has pinpointed Callum McGregor’s performance as one that was worthy of a mention.
Celtic captain was ‘outstanding’
Callum McGregor has been on the receiving end of some unfair criticism for the defeat to Germany last Friday but he answered his critics in fine style as Clarke recognised the Celtic captain’s contribution.
Clarke said [The Herald], “It was always my intention to start Billy in the second game. Maybe that’s why he didn’t start the first game.
“But I knew and you could see the little man tiring towards the end of the game.
“Because it’s a tough shift in midfield. I thought him and Callum McGregor both in central midfield were outstanding for us.”
Scotland’s chance to create history is still on and after last night’s performance, McGregor and Co can head into Sunday night’s game against Hungary with renewed confidence.
Ideally, a win by a few goals would be preferred but the most important thing for now is to get the victory which would add another piece of history to McGregor’s already superb achievements in the Scottish game.