Callum McGregor 'surprised' Steve Clarke with Scotland retirement as Celtic captain's unseen impact named

Steve Clarke admits Callum McGregor’s decision to retire from Scotland duty took him by surprise – as he was sure the Celtic skipper had years left in the tank for his country.

But the boss insists no other member of his group has indicated a desire to step down from the inter-national scene following Euro 2024. McGregor, 31, dropped the bombshell earlier this month after 63 caps and two major tournaments. Asked if that was a shock, Clarke said: “A little bit. I probably felt he had a few more years in him but I’m not Callum, it’s Callum’s decision to make.

“First of all, thanks to Callum for his input over the years, he’s been a key player. We’re disappointed to lose him, we’re disappointed for us that he’s retired but I respect his decision. No one else is indicating retirement, no one else has spoken about it. It’s not for me to phone them and ask them are they going to retire, that probably comes across the wrong way. Everybody’s determined to go and be more successful.”

Clarke has every belief Scotland can go on to qualify for the World Cup. He said: “Very optimistic, I don’t see anything in there that shouldn’t be optimistic.

"We’ve shown before that we can come back from a setback and that’s what we have to do. We need to move forward. And then whatever happens in the Nations League campaign, we come out of that ready for the World Cup qualifying campaign in 2025.”