After playing his part in an embarrassing Scotland defeat on Friday night in the opener of the European Championships against Germany, Callum McGregor has assumed a leading role in the national team.

Callum McGregor Celtic
Soccer Football – Scottish Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 25, 2024 Celtic’s Callum McGregor celebrates after winning the Scottish Cup Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

The Celtic captain spoke to the media over the weekend and as well as taking responsibility for the recent loss, he looked ahead to the upcoming few games and looked to rally his teammates.

Indeed, McGregor billed crunch clashes with Switzerland and Hungary as ‘cup finals’ in a stance which is difficult to argue against.

He said (Glasgow Times): “We have two games to get out of the group now, it is two cup finals.

“That is what the mentality of the players has to be. That’s where the mentality of the group has to be. Yeah, we attack Wednesday now. As I say, it is a cup final. We have to win.”

Harnessing the elite mentality he has developed at Celtic, McGregor is key for Scotland both on the pitch and off it.

He knows what is required at the top level having played countless times in the Champions League, and should get the nod for his country again on Wednesday.

Steve Clarke does need to make some changes midweek, but the 31-year-old must be kept in the lineup to help win the midfield battle versus a strong Swiss side.

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