As he cruises to his half century, Cal Mac insists dark blue masks Old Firm rivalry
Callum McGregor is in line to become the 34th player on the SFA’s International Roll of Honour.
The 29-year-old should pick up his 50th full international cap when Scotland open their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign against Cyprus at Hampden on Saturday.
An international break provides a little relief from the tension that can occasionally boil over in the club game.
It seems that safety and security concerns are behind the decision that no away fans will be present at the two remaining Old Firm Premiership fixtures this season.
Although some fans seem hell-bent on creating an atmosphere of constant strife, rival players come together and happily do their best for the national team.
McGregor teamed up with Ryan Jack when Scotland last defeated Cyprus, with the two forming a midfield partnership that inspired the 2-1 victory in Nicosia four years ago.
Celtic’s skipper is pleased to see the Rangers’ man back in contention for a start in the Scotland side.
He said: “The squad is full of good players, and whoever the manager selects will be trusted to do the job.
“I’ve played in there with a number of different partners, and I’ve always tried to strike up a nice balance, whether that’s with a two or a three, depending on what we need in any given game.
“But, yeah, it’s great to see Ryan back in there. When we go away, we are all Scotland players and we are all pulling in the same direction. We all want to be successful.
“Playing with Ryan was good. We struck up a nice partnership, and our games complemented each other.
“When the manager picks the team, we just have to be ready. He’ll have an idea of a team, just building on what we have done recently.
“Our job is to turn up, train as hard as we possibly can every day and, if selected, give the best account of yourself.
“Our job is pretty easy. The coach makes the decisions.”
McGregor is adamant there is no inter-club rivalry during the international camps, and will happily help Jack when they’re both wearing a dark blue shirt.
He went on: “As you get older ,you start to realise things. The reason we are playing at a high level is because we are highly-competitive.
“Ryan wants to win for his club, and I am desperate to win for mine.
“But when we both turn up for Scotland, we are both desperate for Scotland to do well.
“There are different rivalries throughout the camp, but the minute we go through the door as Scotland players, that is the only focus.”
Reaching his half-century of caps is something McGregor is relishing.
He said: “A lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice has gone into that. So it will be a nice little milestone if I’m selected to play.
“Every time you represent the national team is a proud day, and to make my 50th appearance is something I’m really happy about.
“Like any young footballer, you have to bide your time and wait your turn.
“The group in front of me were all really good players and professionals, and the manager trusted his squad.
“You just have to be there, train as hard as you can, and force your way in at the right time.
“Sometimes you have to be patient, but I was always desperate to get in. Once I did, I was desperate to stay there, and rack up as many appearances as I could.
“There were some difficult times, some real learning experiences. But those are the things that make you a better footballer.
“It’s nice to have some positive memories, and getting to Euro 2020 was great.”
Although some fans may enjoy a breather from the relentless schedule of club games, McGregor thrives on nonstop action.
He added: “It changes the environment for the week or so. There are different faces, and a different style and training ground.
“But it’s football you are still living and breathing it 24 hours a day.
“I think that’s what we love about it, the relentlessness of it.
“I believe that being in that mindset is the best place for a footballer. You just want to keep going.”