“Whatever Will Be, Will Be” – Callum McGregor Refuses to Rule Out Scotland Return
Celtic captain Callum McGregor refused to rule out a return to the Scotland setup after starring in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Hibernian at Easter Road. He has played all but thirteen minutes of Martin O’Neill’s interim spell, which has seen the Parkhead side play seven matches after the Northern Irishman replaced compatriot Brendan Rodgers in October. The midfielder retired from international football following Euro 2024 after winning 63 caps for his country, but an upturn of form and Scotland’s qualification for the World Cup next summer has raised the question of potential Scotland return. “To be honest, it’s not something I have thought of.” McGregor said when asked if he would reconsider his availability if Scotland manager Steve Clarke asked. “Obviously the guys did amazing to qualify in the last international break. A lot of good team-mates and friends in there so I was so happy for them. “For me, I just want to concentrate on the job I’ve got here [at Celtic]. I don’t want to get drawn into anything like that if I have got a big job here. “[There will be a] Change of manager soon probably, so, I’ll just keep trying to play well and whatever will be, will be.” McGregor’s last game for the national side was a late 1-0 defeat to Hungary at the 2024 European Championships, and scored his first of three goals for Scotland in a 3-1 defeat to Croatia at Euro 2020. The centre midfield area of the squad is probably where Scotland need strengthening the least, but the quality the Celtic skipper has shown for club and country over his career would be useful in the Americas next year. With Scotland qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998, Steve Clarke may look to use this as leverage to tempt McGregor back into the fold, as well as Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes, who never said no in an interview with Sky in the wake of qualification. The draw for the 2026 World Cup takes place this Friday, as the Tartan Army await with anticipation to book their flights for FIFA’s premier competition for the first time in 28 years.
New Name For National Stadium as SFA Announce Historic Deal
The Scottish FA have today announced that the Hampden Park has been renamed as ‘Barclays Hampden’. It is the first stadium name partnership in any version of the ground’s history, having been known simply as ‘Hampden’ since it was first built in 1873 on the grounds of what is now Hampden Bowling Club. The long-term deal agreed also sees Barclays become the title partner of the Barclays Next Gen Girls’ Performance Programme and official partner of both men and women Scottish Cup competitions. Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “We’re excited to have Barclays on board as Naming Partner of Barclays Hampden. “In the course of the conversations we’ve had over the past few months, to get to this point, their desire to support Scottish football, across the levels, has been clear. “It’s a commitment that will continue with Barclays Next Gen, the girls’ performance programme, and both the Men’s and Women’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup competitions. “The impact of their investment will be felt within the walls of Barclays Hampden and far beyond, not least helping fuel the kind of programmes we run that harness the Power of Football and make an everyday impact in Scottish society. “We’re looking forward to developing the partnership in the weeks, months and years to come.” Barclays had already awarded over 300 grants to Scottish grassroots clubs through their Community Sport Fund in the last four years, as they affirm their commitment to the development of Scottish football. Brendan Napier, Commercial Director of Scottish Football Marketing, said: “We recognise that, as a treasured national asset, the National Stadium deserved the right partner, and in Barclays we know we have found just that. A world-renowned institution, committed to Scotland and Scottish football, at all levels. “We’re equally thrilled with Barclays’ passion for supporting the Barclays Next Gen Girls’ Performance Programme, which will help develop some of Scotland’s brightest young talents in addition to their new status as Official Partners of both the Men’s and Women’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup competitions. “From the first conversation, we could not have been more excited about partnering with the team at Barclays. We look forward, with optimism, to many happy years working together.” Barclays Sponsorship Managing Director Tom Corbett added: “We are thrilled to be ending the year with the addition of the Scottish home of football to our partnership portfolio. “Hampden is a fantastic venue in a fantastic city, and this new partnership will enable us to further support the next generation of football fans and players.” The stadium will host its first match under the new tag on December 14th, when Celtic take on St. Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup final, potentially under the stewardship of incoming boss Wilfried Nancy.
