Celtic skipper Callum McGregor addresses potential Scotland return after World Cup qualification

Celtic captain Callum McGregor insists he has not thought about coming out of international retirement after Scotland’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup.

McGregor, 32, called time on his Scotland career two summers ago after being part of the country’s Euro 2024 squad. The midfielder won 63 caps and scored three goals for Scotland but decided the time was right to focus on club football.

Steve Clarke’s side have since ended a 28-year wait to play at a World Cup and despite featuring at two European Championships, McGregor has never graced the global stage.

Callum McGregor retired from Scotland duty in the summer of 2024. | SNS Group

Scotland are stacked with top-level midfielders such as Napoli duo Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson, John McGinn at Aston Villa, Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie and Norwich City skipper Kenny McLean. However, some Scotland fans would like to see McGregor - who is in good form for Celtic - back in the international reckoning.

McGregor was once again a pivotal part of Celtic’s team as they cut the gap on Premiership leaders Hearts to two points with a 2-1 win over Hibs on Sunday and after the match, he was asked whether he would consider a Scotland recall.

“To be honest, it's not something I've thought of,” McGregor replied. “Obviously the guys have done amazing, they qualified in the last international break.

“I’ve lot of good teammates and good friends in there, so I'm so happy for them. And for me, I just want to concentrate on the job I've got here. I don't want to get drawn into anything like that.

“I've got a big, big job here, change of manager soon probably, so I'll just keep trying to play well and help the team and whatever will be, will be.”