Celtic Fan View: Callum McGregor's call-up was deserved, now he must start against Slovenia

If a phrase best describes Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign it would surely be ‘better late than never’. Martin Skrtel’s decisive own goal in the 89th minute was the fifth time the Scots have scored in the last five minutes to salvage vital points during the qualifications. The saying is also accurate of Gordon Strachan’s selection of Callum McGregor.

The Celtic midfielder was given a deserved call-up albeit because of injuries to Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong. The 24-year-old has been knocking on the door for a while but Strachan’s doubts over the Hoops academy graduate have been baffling considering his excellent form for the Scottish champions. The same could be said of Strachan’s treatment of Stuart Armstrong and Leigh Griffiths. Both weren’t fancied for a long time but have since proved their worth to the national side.

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With an all-or-nothing game on the line against Slovenia on Sunday, it’s now time for Strachan to put faith in McGregor who can no longer be ignored by the ex-Celtic and Southampton boss. After all, it’s his contributions on the big stage coupled with consistency that have earned McGregor this call-up.

The signs were apparent during the tail end of last season when Brendan Rodgers preferred him over Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic. That faith was repaid by McGregor with a fine run of games that saw him score in consecutive matches against Rangers on the road to the unbeaten treble. McGregor has carried that form into the new term with his performances going from strength to strength.

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From being on the fringes of things, McGregor has adapted brilliantly to suit whatever role Rodgers needs him to perform, whether it be as a full-back, midfielder or winger. He’s become far more than just a utility player however. Now, he’s a clinical box-to-box midfielder with a great engine in the centre of the pitch, who is developing many aspects of his game.

His last outing for the Bhoys was an illustration of that, with two well-taken goals against Hibs that maintained the Hoops’ unbeaten domestic run. Yet, he also showed a drive and a willingness to take the ball under pressure in the closing stages which is an indication that he can become a leader in a green and white jersey.

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That’s why he must play in Ljubljana. Scotland’s midfield trio of Darren Fletcher, James Morrison and Barry Bannan all worked hard at home to Slovakia, but all three lack that knack for sniffing out a chance. If truth be told, Bannan was rather disappointing with his distribution and end product. In what will no doubt be a tough encounter away from home, McGregor provides the energy in midfield which is crucial, plus a goal-scoring instinct that gives the side an extra dimension.

That quality from midfield in the final third is often scarce for Scotland, but it’s a trait that should make McGregor stand out and be handed a hugely deserved debut for his country.