I’ve had managers trying to pull me out of squads with a stubbed toe but I always turned up because you’re a long-time retired ..one day I’ll wish I was still playing
NO EXCUSES FOR STALWART Anfield ace Andy’s the best man to captain side
the way it is. You stub your toe and you pull out. You know they’re always there, the managers, waiting for you to sneeze so they can say, ‘Right, you’re not well – you cannae go!’
“You just know that’s how club managers think. I can understand it because from a selfish point of view they want their players ready to get some rest.
“I’ve always turned up. It would need to be proper injuries to have kept me away. I’ve said before that I love playing for Scotland.
“You are a long time retired. As long as I can do it I will give it everything I’ve got. When you’re older you’ll look back and think, ‘Why did I just not go? What would I give for a trip to Mexico now?’ I try to look forward.
“My missus isn’t too happy about it. We’ve had a couple of discussions – she’s getting worse than the managers now. When I’m older I know I’ll look back and think what you would have given for those opportunities.” Mulgrew is in line to win his 39th
cap against the Israelis in Haifa, although recent appearances at Blackburn have been curtailed as a result of illness and a calf injury.
Mowbray has told him to be mindful of where he earns his wages and added the time is fast approaching when he will have to focus on club football at the expense of international.
Mulgrew added: “I can understand Tony. He wants my best form for my club and the discussion we had was about me enjoying it now and then we’ll see what happens. It has never got to an argument stage.
“Club or country? We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. If he says to me that I’ll have to make that choice, well… I don’t want to make it.
“I feel fit and healthy and that being away from Scotland helps me. I don’t like to take a lot of time off. Maybe as I get into my late thirties I’ll think it’s better to have three or four days’ rest but right now I am happy and desperate to be here with the national team.”
Mulgrew will arrive on Israeli soil for the first time tomorrow and a reunion with former Celtic team-mate Beram Kayal, although it was Salzburg striker Munas Dabbur who caught McLeish’s eye in last week’s Europa League win. The Israelis are without a win in three matches this year, including a 1-0 defeat to Albania. New boss Andreas Herzog, the former attacking midfielder with Austria, took over in August and also saw his new charges defeated 3-0 by Northern Ireland in their last friendly fixture.
Mulgrew said: “They are similar to Albania, technically quite gifted. I realise I don’t have loads of qualification campaigns left and want to put everything into getting to the Euros in 2020. We’re all pushing to make new history.” BY GARY RALSTON CHARLIE MULGREW has no regrets at losing the Scotland captaincy and says Alex McLeish chose the best man for the job.
The 32-year-old defender was named skipper at the end of last season following Scott Brown’s retiral and the absence of Darren Fletcher from the national squad.
Mulgrew captained the team against Costa Rica and led the group to South America but Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson has since been handed the job full-time.
The Scots face Israel in the Nations League tomorrow night and Mulgrew said: “I fully understand the decision. I mean, Andy’s playing every week for Liverpool in the Premier League.
“When was the last time Scotland had a player at that level, week in, week out, for one of the top two teams in England?
“To be honest, I kind of expected it. But the time I had as captain was great and I’ll relish any chance I get in the future, not take it for granted.
“It’s something I’m very proud of and something no one can ever take away from me. It would be a proud moment if I ever get it again.
“However, Andy is a great choice, a guy with a long future with Scotland.
“It is important to have a captain to lead and Robertson does it on and off the pitch.
“I’d like to think the reason I was chosen for captain was the way that I behave.
“I’ll just continue to do that. If that means acting like a captain or acting as a leader then I’m happy.”
CHARLIE MULGREW