CELTIC LATEST Cap didn’t fit ... but it does now

McGregor inspired by Celtic 6 to seek Scotland recall

Callum McGregor admits his first Scotland call- up came too early.

But the Celtic midfielder says he’s now ready to join the Parkhead contingent in Gordon Strachan’s national side.

The 23- year- old was compared to £16million-rated Welsh star Joe Allen by his gaffer Brendan Rodgers last week.

And McGregor has improved his game under the Hoops manager this term, making 37 appearances for the Premiership champions.

Rodgers believes he’s good enough to hook up with the Scottish side for the crucial World Cup qualifier against England in June.

And now the player himself insists he feels far better prepared now to play international football than the last time he got the nod.

Strachan included McGregor in his pool for a crack at Germany in September 2014 – but the Celtic youngster didn’t play.

He hasn’t been involved since but McGregor now feels he’s ready to make a contribution.

The Celtic playmaker, who could link up with club pals Craig Gordon, Kieran Tierney, Scott Brown, James Forrest, Stuart Armstrong and Leigh Griffiths in the squad, said: “Playing for Scotland is def initely sti l l an ambition of mine.

“Everybody wants to play for their country and it would be a great honour for me. I watched the six Celtic boys play against Slovenia in the last game at Hampden.

“They were excellent, it just showed the quality we have here.

“They all made a difference to the Scotland team. Stuart was particularly good on his debut – but he just played the way he has done for Celtic all season. “I’d certainly feel better equipped to go back into the Scotland squad now. “When I got the call for the Germany game in 2014, I’d only played seven or eight games for Celtic. I t wa s pretty quick. I’ve picked up a lot more experience since. I’ve had ups and downs, played Champions League football. I’ve gone through a lot so I’d be ready now.

“At that time, I didn’t think I wasn’t ready. I tried to take it in my stride.

“But with hindsight, and thinking about the experiences I’ve had since – maybe it was a bit too soon for me.

“Now, my game is more mature. At Celtic, you need to be responsible for your game and learn to be part of a team.”

There was a time when McGregor’s career at Celtic looked to be coming to an end. He wasn’t a regular starter under previous gaffer Ronny Deila and few w ou l d

have predicted the role he’s played for Rodgers’ Treble-chasing side.

McGregor was flattered to be mentioned alongside Stoke City star Allen by the Northern Irishman – and, at 23, now feels he’s no longer just a ‘promising’ young player in the Celtic ranks.

He said: “I read what the manager said and it’s always nice to get compliments like that. He spoke to me privately after the Hearts game and said ‘ Well done’ – but the other stuff was great.

“Allen is a great player and has been in the Premier League for a long time now.

“He’s gone for a lot of money in his career so it was nice to be compared to him. But I just need to get my head down and keep on improving.

“When the manager came in, the club shifted up a few levels. I’ve played a lot of games and it’s been great to be part of.

“I feel my own game has come on a lot tactically. I definitely feel I’ve learned a lot from the gaffer.

“I’ve had a few ups and down during my time at Celtic but I had to stay positive. “When you have a bad game or are out of the team, you need to keep the same attitude and try to catch the manager’s eye. When you do get back in, it’s about taking your chances. “I’m 23 now and feel that in the last few months, I’m a more established part of the squad here. “I’ve played a lot of games – including some big ones – so I don’t feel just like a young player coming through now. “I’ve played 100 games for Celtic now and I’m loving every minute.”