Gordon tips McGregor to fill void for Scots

CRAIG GORDON last night backed Callum McGregor to fill the Scotland void left by injured Celtic pair Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong. McGregor earned a late call-up to the squad for the decisive World Cup qualifiers with Slovakia and Slovenia after scoring Celtic’s goals in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Hibernian. Hibs midfielder John McGinn was already part of Gordon Strachan’s original 26-man squad, enhancing his chances of a start against Slovakia on Thursday with a man-of-thematch display at Parkhead. Insisting the Scots retain enough quality to earn a play-off despite the losses of Brown and Armstrong — with Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie adding to the list of call-offs last night — Gordon welcomed news of McGregor’s call-up to the squad. ‘His finishes against Hibs were brilliant,’ said Gordon. ‘He was so calm to stick them away and every time he is called upon, he is so reliable. ‘He’s a really good footballer

and never complains even if he doesn’t start every game. ‘If he’s coming off the bench, he comes in and he scores goals and creates. He’s a great boy to have in the squad.’ Back to top form after an outstanding save denied Hibs victory at Parkhead, the Scotland No 1 admitted midfielder McGinn could also fill the boots of Brown or Armstrong after capping a dynamic display against Celtic with two fine goals. ‘He was good against us,’ said Gordon. ‘He’s not too dissimilar to Scott, although he plays a wee bit further forward and carries a bit more of a goal threat than Broony. ‘In terms of breaking up play and getting the team moving in the right direction, they are alike. ‘There are not too many players that play the game like that. ‘We’re not blessed with combative midfielders, so he has given himself a good shot at coming in for Scott.’ Darren Fletcher looks odds-on to fill one of the midfield vacancies. Manager Gordon Strachan has also been impressed by the recent form of Sheffield Wednesday’s Barry Bannan. Insisting the Scots can cope with the losses of Armstrong and Brown, Gordon said: ‘They have been crucial. The runs they make and distance they cover is incredible. ‘Stuarty is a goal threat and they will be missed — but we have players who can come in and cover those positions. ‘We’re still feeling good. There have been a lot of Celtic players in the team and we will maybe lose a little bit of that understanding but, in terms of quality, we still have plenty.’ Meanwhile, Newcastle winger Ritchie, 28, pulled out of the double-header after playing the full 90 minutes in his team’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool at St James’ Park.