Celtic mock Rangers hero Graeme Souness over Callum McGregor criticism after captain's role in Scotland goal

Celtic have mocked Graeme Souness over his perceived criticism of Callum McGregor after their captain helped set up Scott McTominay's Switzerland opener.

The Scots had the lead briefly in the first half of tonight's second Euro 2024 match and it was McTominay who popped up with yet another big goal for his country as his effort was deflected past Swiss goalkeeper Yan Sommer. McGregor was the man who got the assist, showing composure in the box to roll it to the Manchester United midfielder.

The Hoops' social media team responded by getting behind their man, quote tweeting the Scotland national team's post and writing "'The Celtic Captain’ sets up the opener." It was a nod to Rangers hero Souness referring to the 30-year-old simply as 'The Celtic captain' as he criticised him for his part in a couple of Germany's goals during the 5-1 hammering they handed us on Friday night.

Speaking live on ITV, he said: "Gundogan, again, great turn, he slips Havertz in, back to Musiala, wrong foots the Celtic captain yet again, that's two in the same move. He tries to nick it here, Callum McGregor, and he gets back in, he tries to nick it again – just stay goalside and stop the effort on your goal."

Some fans perceived the failure to use his name as a slight on the player but the pundit moved to clear things up this week when grilled on talkSPORT. He explained: "I can answer that, I couldn't remember his name. But I knew he was captain of Celtic. I was critical of him because if you remember the build up to the goal, he tried to nick it off [Ilkay] Gundogan and Gundogan turned him.

"He should have just been goal side trying to get a challenge in, but he tried to step in front and nick it. Further on in the same attack which led to the goal, he's tried to nick it off Jamal Musiala again. So twice he's tried to nick it instead of just being strong in the challenge and that would've prevented us conceding that goal.

"I have to say, that question can only arise in the west of Scotland. I forgot his name, I couldn't remember his name but I knew he was a good little football player and if it's been taken as a slant or criticism, I didn't mean it. I genuinely forgot his name."

McGregor admitted he took the criticism personally, saying: : "Yes, you do. I think if anyone has a pop at you, you take it personally and you try to prove them wrong. So, yeah."