Graeme Souness forgot Callum McGregor's name as Rangers legend defends himself over 'Celtic captain' putdown

Graeme Souness revealed he referred to Callum McGregor as the ‘Celtic captain’ because he couldn’t remember his name when criticising the midfielder following Scotland’s drubbing by Germany in their Euro 2024 opener.

The Rangers legend came in for some stick from Hoops legions for his punditry following the Group A clash but insisted he didn’t mean to disrespect McGregor, as he defended himself on talkSPORT. Souness said: “I couldn't remember his name. But I knew he was captain of Celtic. I have to say, that question can only arise in the west of Scotland. I forgot his name, I couldn't remember his name but I knew he was a good little football player and if it's been taken as a slant or criticism, I didn't mean it. I genuinely forgot his name.

“I was critical of him because if you remember the build up to the goal, he tried to nick it off (Ilkay) Gundogan and Gundogan turned him. He should have just been goal side trying to get a challenge in, but he tried to step in front and nick it. Further on in the same attack which led to the goal, he's tried to nick it off Jamal Musiala again. So twice he's tried to nick it instead of just being strong in the challenge and that would've prevented us conceding that goal.”

Steve Clarke’s side are under serious pressure ahead of their second game against Switzerland in Cologne on Wednesday where defeat would almost certainly see them out of the competition. The Swiss are on a high after a 3-1 win over Hungary in their first game.

Asked if he was concerned Scotland finish up pointless, Souness said: “Of course I am. We’ve worked hard to get here and our results were good. We don’t carry much of a goal threat and we’re going into our next game playing against a very good team. They’re