CHARLIE SUCH A CENTRAL FIGURE
Mulgrew happy to step into the heart of Scotland’s defence as he senses his moment to shine
IF VERSATILITY has been both a blessing and a curse for Charlie Mulgrew’s international career, necessity might just prove to be its salvation. From his earliest forays in the national underage sides, the Scot has adroitly fielded inquiries about his preferred position with a touch that would put a seasoned diplomat to shame.
Now aged 31, the questions being served up to the Blackburn man remain the same.
Doubtless aware that there is not exactly an orderly queue of cultured defenders outside Gordon Strachan’s door, though, the answers are now those of a man who knows a gilt-edged opportunity when he sees one.
‘People have always asked me about my favourite position throughout my career,’ said Mulgrew.
‘I do prefer centre-half or midfield, but I’d like to play as long as I can and defence is probably my best chance to do that.
‘I’ve played maybe twice in midfield, one against Manchester United, but I’ve played mostly in the centre of defence this season and I spoke to the manager about that because he likes to play football from the back — and that suits me.’
With the best will in the world, it would take an outbreak of Bubonic plague for Mulgrew to be required in midfield against Canada tomorrow or Slovenia on Sunday.
Even allowing for the withdrawals of Matt Phillips and James McArthur, the national manager still has 13 midfielders to call upon. It is a healthy position which contrasts sharply with the paucity of options in the back-line.
For the generation who grew up believing Scotland gave the world the television, penicillin and centre-halves, the current picture is grim indeed.
There is no sense in persecuting the many honest pros who have done their utmost in a problem area over the past few years.
Despite Blackburn currently sitting third bottom of the Championship, would anyone dispute that a fit-again, content and hungry Mulgrew would represent an upgrade on those who have recently filled the gap?
‘I’ve been playing a lot more regularly now and everything has been good, so I’m delighted to be back involved,’ said the man whose last competitive game for his country came against Germany 18 months back.
‘The fitter you are, the better it’s going to be for you. I feel as if I’ve improved since I’ve been at Blackburn. It’s opened my eyes a bit. While I’ve been down south before, I haven’t played as much in the Championship as I have recently.’
Now under the guidance of Tony Mowbray, Rovers’ plight is naturally concerning, but the nature of the division is that they are only two wins away from the sanctuary of mid-table.
Unbeaten in their past seven games, home and away wins over Newcastle have been the highlights of a taxing campaign which was punctuated by the dismissal of Owen Coyle last month.
In Mulgrew’s view, the relentless, demanding schedule has been the challenge he needed after leaving Celtic Park last summer.
‘It’s been good,’ he said. ‘I’m enjoying the change. It’s something different, playing different teams and we’ve got a big challenge for the rest of the season.
‘But everything is positive with the new manager, we’re looking forward and we’re enjoying it.
‘At the time, a lot of people looked and thought it wasn’t the right move — but it was me that wanted to do it.
‘I wanted to experience something different.
‘At this stage of my career, it was probably my last chance to go down south and I wanted that.
Off the field everything has been great. On the field it’s been difficult picking up results, but I’ve never regretted my decision. I’m enjoying the challenge. I’m enjoying playing different teams at big stadiums.’
Mulgrew spent long enough over two spells at Parkhead to appreciate that, in the majority of games, complacency is as much a danger as any fleet-footed striker.
Blackburn could scarcely be more different. Finding yourself continually in the line of fire is a twice-weekly occurrence.
‘That’s like every game in the Championship,’ he added.
‘A lot of the games are more even down there and that was part of the challenge, why I wanted to go down.
‘I wanted to be part of that, experience that and grow. I feel it’s improved me as well.’
Matters at his first love remain close to his heart. Mulgrew left Celtic having played a part in five successive title wins, but the manner in which a sixth is being wrapped up under Brendan Rodgers is outshining all that’s gone before.
Still unbeaten domestically, the improvement in virtually every player is evident.
No less than six Celtic men are in Strachan’s squad for this double-header. Leigh Griffiths is the only one who might feature against Canada tomorrow, but no bets are being taken on the inclusion of a rejuvenated Stuart Armstrong for Slovenia.
‘I have watched a lot of the Celtic games and Stuart has been very good,’ added Mulgrew.
‘He has scored a lot of goals but to be fair, he always did well in training under the last boss.’
‘I could see his ability and Stuart has added goals to that, so fair play to him. He’s a good addition to the squad.’