Mulgrew holds on to major finals dream

Blackburn defender not giving up hope of chance

Charlie Mulgrew refuses to let go the dream of playing for Scotland at a major finals.

The Blackburn defender is poised to add to his 34 caps in the two post-season friendlies away to Peru and Mexico, both of whom are going to the World Cup finals in Russia.

Mulgrew made his debut against Slovenia in 2012 and is 32 now but with ambitions to play until 40.

He hopes by then to have experienced some big competition action with his national side, who have not qualified for a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France.

“It is a huge ambition,” the former Celtic defender told Press Association Sport.

“It is something I have dreamed about since I was a youngster and collecting the Panini World Cup stickers.

“It is something I am desperate to do and be involved in and do well in.

“I will keep the dream alive and keep going.”

Scotland boss Alex McLeish named a makeshift and inexperienced squad for the trip to the Americas, his task made more difficult with six players withdrawing from the original group.

Mulgrew’s main piece of advice to any of the new boys and those with just a few caps is to not take it for granted.

He said: “Ever since I came in to this squad I have trained every day like it is my last training session and I have tried to play every game to the best of my ability and never once taken it for granted.

“Every squad that has been announced, since I was called up, I never assumed I would be in it. I am very hopeful and look out for the squad to be announced and delighted when I am in it.

“So don’t take it for granted. Treat every session like it is your last, keep pushing to get into teams and keep believing in yourself.”

Picture: SNS Group. Taking nothing for granted: Charlie Mulgrew.