He’s used to combating towards him within the warmth of an Outdated Agency battle however Callum McGregor will probably be delighted if he has Rangers rival Ryan Jack beside him at Hampden when he earns his fiftieth Scotland cap.
The Hoops star will take his place within the SFA’s Roll of Honour if he’s picked to face Cyprus within the Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday. McGregor is happy with the achievement and it could possibly be a part of an excellent marketing campaign if he lifts a home Treble for Ange Postecoglou’s facet.
The 29-year-old was a key participant for Steve Clarke when the Scots certified for Euro 2020 and he’s hungry for extra worldwide success. Jack was alongside him on that well-known evening in Serbia and McGregor says the Ibrox ace is a perfect associate. At membership stage, they’re sworn enemies. However McGregor says once they meet up for Scotland obligation, that doesn’t even get a point out. He stated: “The Scotland squad is stuffed with good gamers and whoever the supervisor selects will probably be trusted to do the job.
“I’ve performed in there with a variety of totally different companions and have at all times tried to strike up a pleasant steadiness, whether or not that’s with a two or a 3. But it surely’s nice to see Ryan again in there.
“Clearly we’re all Scotland gamers, pulling in the identical course to achieve success. Taking part in with Ryan has been good, we’ve struck up a pleasant partnership and our sport enhances one another.
“Is there any awkwardness as a result of he performs for Rangers? As you become old you begin to realise this stuff (don’t matter), the rationale we’re taking part in at a excessive stage is as a result of we’re actually aggressive.
“Ryan desires to win for his membership and so do I. However after we flip up for Scotland, we’re determined for Scotland to do properly, there are totally different rivalries all through the camp however the minute we undergo the door as Scotland gamers that’s the solely focus.
“We’re too busy to joke about it! Between taking part in, recovering, coaching, we’re too busy to speak about the rest.”
McGregor will be part of some Scottish greats when he lands his fiftieth cap towards the Cypriots. And having skilled a serious event, he’s eager to play in at the very least another earlier than he hangs up his boots.
Similar to with Postecoglou at Celtic, he appears to thrive underneath Clarke. And the Parkhead captain says there are similarities between each bosses.
He stated: “To win my fiftieth cap can be a proud second. Quite a lot of onerous work, dedication and sacrifice has gone into that so will probably be a pleasant little milestone if I’m chosen to play.
“Like several younger participant I needed to bide my time, I needed to be affected person. However I used to be determined to get in and as soon as I acquired in I used to be determined to remain there and rack up as many appearances as I may.
“My debut for Scotland will at all times stand out as an amazing reminiscence – and the evening we certified in Serbia. My aim towards Croatia on the Euros was additionally a pleasant second.
“There have been some troublesome instances as properly, some actual studying experiences – however these are the issues that make you a greater footballer. And attending to a serious event was nice.
“As quickly as you get there and get a flavour of it you need extra. It was nice to see what being at a serious event appeared like for the nation. Everyone will agree it was an thrilling summer season for the nationwide crew and we wish to get again there.
“We beloved the expertise of taking part in at that stage and attempting to compete. As a gaggle of gamers we wish to get there once more and never be a one-tournament surprise.
“By way of the managers, totally different groups play totally different kinds – however the core rules are the identical. It’s important to be aggressive and win your duels.
“Do the proper issues, be tidy on the ball and spend nearly all of the sport with it. Once you don’t have it, be organised and compact. All of these rules are the identical.”