Callum McGregor says decision to end Scotland career based on ‘gut feeling’

Celtic captain Callum McGregor trusted his “gut feeling” when calling time on his Scotland career.

The 31-year-old announced his international retirement on Friday after winning his 63rd cap during Euro 2024.

Speaking to Sky Sports News after scoring in Celtic’s 2-0 win over Hibernian on Sunday, McGregor said: “It felt like the time was right. Sometimes you get a gut feeling for things in football and you have got to trust that.

“I had an amazing international career and lot of success. We managed to get the country back to major tournaments and now hopefully the guys can go on and continue that success. But just for myself it felt like the right time.”

The midfielder added: “In football as long as you’re happy with what you have achieved, then you can look yourself in the mirror and know you gave it your all.

“That’s been the decision now and I just want to concentrate on club football. We have had a good start to the season and we want to just keep doing that as well.”

With Scotland manager Steve Clarke watching on at Easter Road, McGregor found the top corner from nearly 30 yards to double the lead which Nicolas Kuhn’s early goal gave the champions.

McGregor said: “Nic has got that ability to draw players towards him and when he lays it off the angle was there to shoot.”