McGregor plans to catch Strachan’s eye

Celtic’s Callum McGregor admits he has not heard from Gordon Strachan since his Scotland snub – but he is not giving up hope of playing a part in the World Cup push.

The in-form Hoops midfielder was overlooked by the national team boss for this month’s crucial qualifiers with Lithuania and Malta.

His absence, though, did not slow down the Scots as a team dominated by McGregor’s Parkhead colleagues fired themselves back into contention for a playoff spot with back-to-back wins.

While disappointed to miss out this time, McGregor, who has netted in three of his club’s four Premiership fixtures so far this term, reckons he is now up to cap standard.

And he hopes he can use his club’s glamour Champions League ties with Paris StGermain and Anderlecht to make his case for inclusion ahead of next month’s makeor-break double-header with Slovakia and Slovenia.

McGregor said: “I watched the two games. It was two good performances and two good wins, so the boys have put themselves right back in contention.

“Does that make me hungrier to break into the squad? Yeah of course.

“I’ve always wanted to be a part of it.

“Obviously for me there is some big games coming up at Celtic and the Champions League is getting under way so I just want to do well for Celtic and try to catch the eye.

“I’m trying not to look too far ahead. I’m focusing on my Celtic stuff and trying to do well for the club. If Gordon feels like I’m not ready yet then I will keep playing and trying to do well.

“But I do feel I’m ready for the international stage.

“I’ve got a lot of big club games under my belt now. I’ve played Champions League, Europa League and a lot of big cup games as well so I feel I could handle this next step.”

Callum McGregor: feels he is ready for international call.