Kilmarnock Manager Shortlist Whittling Down With Interviews Scheduled
Kilmarnock’s shortlist for the next manager will be narrowed further as the Ayrshire side interview their preferred candidates over the weekend. Former Hearts and Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson has been identified as a target, as well as Aberdeen coach Peter Leven. The Rugby Park outfit sacked Stuart Kettlewell just over two weeks ago after a winless run of 10 games, and the 41-year-old is already back in the dugout, returning to Ross County where he played and managed, winning promotion to the Scottish Premiership in both spells. Neilson guided Hearts back to the Premiership in his first spell as Jambos manager, before doing the same with Dundee United four years later in 2020. He made it a hat-trick of Championship promotions when he left for Hearts in the same year, and also finished runner-up in a penalty shootout Scottish Cup Final defeat to Celtic. After leaving Scotland in 2022, the former Scottish international’s last managerial role was with Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL, before linking up with former Killie midfielder Lee Johnson at Belgian side Lommel SK to become his assistant. Leven also enjoyed time at Rugby Park as a player from 2004 to 2007, as well as two years as assistant manager to Gary Locke and Lee McCulloch from 2015 to 2017. His only experience as head coach has came at Belarusian side Dynamo Brest’s B team, as well as a handful of matches as Aberdeen caretaker, having been part of the Pittodrie setup since 2023. Steve Bruce has also been linked with the vacant post, with his son Alex incidentally playing one season at Kilmarnock from 2019-2020. The 65-year-old did say he would be unlikely to manage again however, following his dismissal from English League One side Blackpool three months ago. Killie released a statement yesterday from their Board of Directors, saying they ‘expect to have a first team manager in place next week’, which would set up a potential first clash against 12th placed Livingston, of whom Kilmarnock only sit 4 points above in 11th.
Russell Martin To Replace Wilfried Nancy at Columbus Crew
Ex-Rangers manager Russell Martin is said to be close to a return to management as Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy’s replacement at Columbus Crew. The 39-year-old was dismissed at Ibrox after just 17 games, in which he only won five, following his appointment in June of this year. However, Columbus Crew chiefs appear to be prepared to look beyond Martin’s forgetful Rangers tenure and offer the former Southampton boss a chance to rebuild his reputation in Ohio. Wilfried Nancy departed the States for Parkhead at the beginning of December, but the Frenchman is already under huge pressure after he lost his opening four games, including defeats to league leaders Hearts and the League Cup final to St. Mirren. This poor start led to rumours of a possible Ange Postecoglou return to Scotland and even Nancy himself returning to Columbus, which was quashed after Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson publicly backed his new appointment through club media. The Crew’s next competitive game isn’t until February 22nd when they face Portland Timbers upon the start of the 2026 MLS season, with the 2023 MLS Cup champions afforded with some time to identify Nancy’s replacement. Martin managed MK Dons and Swansea City before joining Southampton where he returned the Saints to the Premier League. That season in the top-flight seen the former Scotland international sacked, and he was appointed Rangers manager six months later. The former Rangers loanee did not enjoy much success in Glasgow’s Southside as a player or manager, and will be hoping for a change in fortunes if a move to North America goes through which will see Martin leave the United Kingdom for the first time in his professional career.
“When I Was In Columbus, I Wanted To Have Him” – Nancy Hails Celtic Hero
Wilfried Nancy revealed that he tried signing Benjamin Nygren for Columbus Crew this summer before the Swede left Nordsjaelland for Celtic. The attacking midfielder is Celtic’s top goalscorer in all competitions this season, adding a double to his tally this afternoon as he played a starring role in the Parkhead side’s 4-2 victory away to Livingston. And new manager Nancy is delighted to have Swedish international at his disposal. Nancy said: “When I was in Columbus, I wanted to have him. “So I know him really well. I know what he can do. I think that he has a big potential, he hasn’t reached yet his potential. “But I think in terms of a relation, connection, with players, this is a player of relation. He’s not a dribbler, but his ability is to make the runs for his teammate but also for the technique that he has. “So now he knows that he has to be stronger, he has to believe a little more in himself, but I like what I’ve seen so far, but I would challenge him.” Nygren scored his ninth and tenth goals of the season as Celtic came back from behind twice in a game which seen four goals scored in the opening ten minutes, and admitted he was made aware of the interest from his new manager after his arrival. “I think he’s a great manager” Nygren said post-match. “Myself and the whole team will keep on working hard to get better and better. “I heard of it [Columbus interest in summer]. I didn’t know it before but I heard of it when he came.” It is the second consecutive match Celtic have won under Nancy since his arrival after losing his first four, and the Frenchman was pleased with what he seen from his side today. “Good game. A difficult game to play regarding the context, regarding the pitch, regarding the opposition. I really liked the competitive spirit that we had. “We came back twice from behind, and after that we were able to score four goals, could have scored more goals obviously, but I really liked what we did first half. “Second half, I liked it also, but in different ways. Defensively we were strong, we didn’t concede, they attacked a little bit more. “But offensively I think that we could have done better with the ball, to be able to install in their half and to organise to attack. Sometimes I think that we rushed and what happened was a chaotic game.” In all six games managed by Nancy, the recognised striker has failed to score in all six. When asked if a frontman is on his January wishlist, Nancy was coy to delve into specific details about transfer strategy. “When we have a window, the window is an opportunity for each team to improve the team. “So we’ll see what we are going to do, if we are going to take players, what type of player we are going to take and so on. “But step by step we are going to get the answer.”
Dundee 1-0 Falkirk: First Win in Five For The Dee
Dundee survived a late red card scare to secure all three points in a 1-0 win over Falkirk at Dens Park. The home side made two changes to the squad that lost 1-0 to Motherwell last weekend as Ryan Astley and Ethan Hamilton made their way into the starting eleven. The visitors made three changes to the side that won at Rugby Park last week as Keelan Adams, Finn Yeats and Ethan Williams came into the eleven. There was little in the way of action in the early proceedings of the game as Brad Spencer’s early red card for a challenge on Ashley Hay was downgraded to a yellow by referee Duncan Nicolson following a VAR review. As the half was coming to an end, Falkirk midfielder Finn Yates was penalised for handball in his attempt to block the shot and Dundee were awarded the penalty. Yan Dhanda converted his penalty, sending Bairns and former Dundee ‘keeper Scott Bain the wrong way, and gave the home side the lead in a tight affair just on the brink of halftime. This was Dhanda’s second goal for the club since joining on loan from Hearts in the summer. Falkirk started the second half with more urgency and aggression, but seldom troubled Jon McCracken in the Dundee net. Just after the hour mark, Dundee manager Steven Pressley looked to maintain his side’s one goal advantage as Simon Murray and Imari Samuels were brought onto the pitch, meanwhile Falkirk manager John McGlynn pushed for an equaliser as Alfie Agyeman, Ethan Ross and Dylan Tait came off the bench. Almost 15 minutes later Bain was called into action when Drey Wright’s low left footed shot from outside the box was comfortably handled by the former Dundee keeper. A tense Dens Park crowd suffered more stress as substitute Simon Murray was shown a straight red card for his challenge on Ethan Ross, this time with the decision being upheld. With eight minutes of stoppage time, Falkirk continued their pressure as Filip Lissah’s powerful shot was saved by McCracken. The hosts would hang on the secure all three points with Falkirk ending their 2025 in defeat. Following this result, Dundee are in tenth place sitting three points above Kilmarnock in the relegation playoff spot. The two sides face each other back at Dens Park in a Tuesday night kick-off in what is sure to be a relegation dogfight. Falkirk are in eighth place, as they seek a top six finish after their promotion into the Premiership last season. They next face a home tie against Aberdeen with a chance to be right on the Dons heels should they see victory next weekend. Dundee: McCracken (7), Wright (7), Graham (8), Koumetio (7), Astley (7), Congreve (6), Hamilton (7), Jones (6), Yogane (6), Dhanda (7), Hay (7)Subs: Samuels (6), Digby (5), Murray (1), Acquah (5) Falkirk: Bain (7), Adams (6), Allan (6), Henderson (6), Lissah (6), Spencer (5), Yeats (4), Wilson (5), Miller (6), Williams (6), Graham (5)Subs: Ross (6), Tait (6), Agyeman (6), Samuel-Ogunsuyi (5), Nesbitt (5)
Livingston 2-4 Celtic: Deux in a row for Nancy as Celtic Tame Lions
Celtic cut the gap to three points on leaders Hearts after a 4-2 win over Livingston at the Home of the Set Fare Arena. Fans were treated to four goals inside the opening ten minutes, as both sides traded blows as the end-to-end action resembled something more like a basketball game rather than a football match. Cristian Montano put Livingston into the driving seat just two minutes in before Benjamin Nygren restored parity just five minutes later. Montano got his second of the game a minute after, but this was cancelled out by Celtic’s South Korean Hyun-Jun Yang straight away to complete a berserk ten minute period. Celtic stamped their authority on the contest with a stunner from Nygren, before Arne Engels converted a spot kick to give the Parkhead side some breathing room. It is Wilfried Nancy’s second win in a row as Celtic manager after losing his first four games, whilst David Martindale still searches for his second win of the season as the West Lothian side languish at the foot of the table. The fans were still making their way inside when Livingston opened the scoring inside the first two minutes. Kieran Tierney’s attempted pass across the park was intercepted by Cristian Montano, who drove forward menacingly and thundered the ball high into deputy goalkeeper Vilijami Sinisalo’s near post. Celtic responded five minutes later when Arne Engels’ delivery from a corner was met by Daizen Maeda, who knocked it down for Swede Benjamin Nygren to net his first of the game and 7th of the season. The Lions roared back less than two minutes later ti continue the frantic start to the game. Scott Pittman’s cross from the right flank fell to Montano again in acres of space inside the box, and the Colombian doubled his tally for the afternoon. Then it was Celtic’s turn for a swift reply. Maeda found space down the left and fired a ball across the floor which was failed to be cleared by Danny Wilson. A stramash ensued inside Jerome Prior’s six-yard box, with Hyun-Jun Yang getting the last touch to bring us to 2-2 only ten minutes into the contest. Celtic continued to threaten with chances coming close from Yang and Maeda, and they would get their breakthrough just on the half hour mark. Tierney found Nygren in space and Celtic’s top scorer for the season so far curled one home, clipping off the inside of the post to put the Hoops ahead for the first time this match and score his third goal in two games. And their lead would be doubled less than ten minutes later. Livingston defender Daniel Finlayson was penalised for handball and a penalty was awarded after referee Matthew MacDermid was advised for an on field review. Arne Engels stepped up, and the Belgian sent Prior in the Livi net the wrong way as he rolled the ball into the bottom right corner. Celtic appeared comfortable going into the interval with a two-goal lead, but their advantage was nearly halved with a flurry of chances in the dying minutes. Anthony Ralston got his head on a Lewis Smith cross to concede a corner, which led to deflected efforts for both Smith and Montano who was hunting a first half hat-trick, but both strikes went just over. There were cheers from the home crowd after they thought Auston Trusty had turned the ball into his own net, but the American international had only headed a Macaulay Tait cross behind for a corner. A charge led by Luke McCowan with around twenty-five minutes to play looked like the game was going to be put to bed. The visitors countered after defending a corner in a 4 vs 2. McCowan had options either side of him and went left to Yang, but the ball could have been better which gave Livingston time to regroup. And Celtic’s defensive fragility was continued to be exposed when Tait pounced on a slack pass and could not be caught as he drove forward. He lacked support however, as his pass across goal was easily cleared by Trusty. The result puts leaves Livingston with just one win all season, but it is only the fourth time in eleven defeats that they have lost by a margin of more than one goal. As for Celtic, they can level Hearts point tally on Tuesday if they are to beat Motherwell at Fir Park, with the Edinburgh side losing today’s derby at Hibs and not in action until the new year when they host today’s home side Livingston. LIVINGSTON: Prior 5, Finlayson 4, Wilson 5, McGowan 4, Montano 8 (Brenet 79’ 1), Tait 6 (Lawal 79’ 1), Pittman 6, Sylla 5, May 5 (Susoho 74’ 1), Smith 6, Yengi 5 (Bokila 46’ 4) (Muirhead 46’ 4) CELTIC: Sinisalo 5, Tierney 7, Trusty 7, Ralston 5, McCowan 7, Yang 6 (Donovan 71’ 2), Engels 6, McGregor 6, Nygren 8 (Hatate 71’ 2), Maeda 5, Kenny 5 (Bernardo 82’ 1)
“We’ve Got An Opportunity For Every Single One of Us to Leave It Out There” – Anthony Ralston
Celtic defender Anthony Ralston has said Celtic’s disastrous start to life under new manager Wilfried Nancy has ‘hurt’ the playing staff. Traditionally a right-back, Nancy’s change of system has seen Ralston adopt a position as a right sided centre-back of a three during Celtic’s worst run of form since 1978. The reigning champions take on Aberdeen today, and defeat would mean that they equal a record run of defeats since 1953. However, Ralston sees the fixture as a chance to turn things around. He said in a press conference: “It’s tough to take when you’re used to so much success and winning everything there is to win, to then go through a patch like this, there is no hiding that it’s difficult. “There’s no hiding that you feel it. That’s just complete honesty. We’re not robots, we’re human beings. I certainly care about it deeply and we all care about it as well. “We’ve got a squad of players in there that have been hurt by the recent turn of events in terms of results. There’s no question of that and that’s not a secret. “But at the same time, it’s the God’s honest truth, we are all together as a squad. “On Sunday, we’ve got another opportunity for every single one of us to leave it out there, both offensively and defensively, to win a game of football. “That’s what we need to start with. It’s a game at a time to then pick up and I’m sure in the end we’ll be successful.” These comments come in the wake of midfielder Luke McCowan admitting he ‘can’t face friends or family’ midweek following Celtic’s fourth consecutive loss after a 2-1 defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice, in a match which heard vocal chants for the manager’s sacking, alongside the Parkhead board. With murmurs of a fresh approach from the Hoops hierarchy towards former boss Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie refused to shut the door on a return, a defeat to Aberdeen today would likely prove to do irreversible damage to Nancy’s chances of getting all of the Celtic faithful behind him. Ralston says that himself and the rest of the players must adapt, and do so quickly, and insists the new boss has the backing of the squad amid rumours of a dressing room rift. “The manager’s really enthusiastic and he believes he can turn things around. There’s no reason why not. “From a personal point of view, I really believe and hope that we can as well. We’ll fight for that to be the case. “Usually you’ve got a pre-season and longer to work on these things and to really understand when there’s a change of system, to understand your position, to understand where you want certain players to be within the system, both offensively and defensively. “The gaffer’s had 11 days to work with us even on that. For both us and for the coaching staff, it’s obviously been difficult because you’ve not got that time. We’ve got a game every three days. “The way I look at that is that you’ve got no choice as a footballer, never mind a Celtic player, to adapt to these situations. “The boys are really trying their hardest and backing that. That’s what we need to try and continue to do. It’s important that we now start turning things around. “We just have to listen and try to implement that in the game as quickly as we can. That isn’t easy to do and that’s no secret. Again, like I say, when you’re at a club like Celtic, you have no choice. “You have to adapt and you have to be successful. That’s the demand on us as players. We need to take that responsibility as well as following the manager’s instructions.”
Stuart Kettlewell Sacked By Kilmarnock
Stuart Kettlewell has been sacked as manager of Kilmarnock after only seven months in charge. The 41-year-old replaced Derek McInnes at Rugby Park after signing a two-year contract in May of this year, but a winless run of ten games, including a 2-1 defeat away to Aberdeen yesterday, has sealed his fate. Former assistant Stevie Frail also departs, with ex-Partick Thistle boss Kris Doolan taking interim charge before he assumes his new role as Head of Development and under 19s manager. A statement on the official club website from the Club’s Board of Directors reads: “This has been a difficult decision taken after careful consideration. We believe there is plenty of quality in the squad and had hoped that results would turn around. Unfortunately change is now required to best serve the interests of Kilmarnock FC. “Our focus is now on providing stability, supporting the squad, and supporting Kris, Craig and Paul as they lead the team forward while we progress with the next steps. “With an important run of festive fixtures about to get underway, starting this weekend at home to Falkirk, we hope all supporters can stick with us as we aim to get back to winning ways.” Kilmarnock currently sit 11th, just three points ahead of Livingston who have played one game less, and host Falkirk this Saturday.
Livingston 2-2 Dundee: Lions Roar Back From Two Behind to Rescue Vital Point
Livingston came from two goals behind Dundee to rescue a point as both sides played out a 2-2 epic at The Home of the Set Fare Arena. There was a lot riding on the line for both sides, with only four points separating the division’s bottom two, although Dundee have since moved up the table with Kilmarnock not in action until tomorrow. A classic game of two halves, Dundee looked set to win their first game on the road since the final day of the last season as they went up the tunnel at half-time two up thanks to goals from Yan Dhanda and Cameron Congreve. But David Martindale’s side looked reborn in the second period, with goals coming from Jeremy Bokila and Tete Yengi to give the hosts a deserved point as they were the team on the ascendancy for the entire second half. Pressure grows on Steven Pressley in the Dundee dugout, with the away section letting their grievances be heard with expletives this match report cannot repeat. Dundee got the first of their goals thirteen minutes in. Ethan Hamilton tested Jerome Prior with a pile-driver from distance, and the Frenchman’s save only went as far as Yan Dhanda, who made no mistake tapping the ball home for an away lead. And just five minutes later, the advantage doubled. Tony Yogane looped a ball in from the left wing, and the Dee’s star man Cameron Congreve executed a deft finish to send the travelling support into raptures. Not to be down and out, Livingston tried clawing their way back into the game, with Scott Pittman having the Lions’ best opportunity of making the game a contest once more. He found a half yard of space after some superb combination play from the home side, but Jon McCracken was equal to the effort. Just moments before referee Dan McFarlane’s half-time whistle, Dundee came close to making it three. Dhanda tried his upmost to turn provider, but his whipped set-piece glanced off of Billy Koumetio’s head and flew wide of the post. In the opening ten minutes of second period, McCracken in the Dundee net was on a one-man-mission to maintain his clean sheet. The former Scotland call-up was forced into two saves from Livi’s Lewis Smith and Cristian Montano in the same minute, with the latter effort potentially being a cross that was caught in the West Lothian wind. The hosts would get themselves back into the game with just over 25 minutes left to play. Colombian utility man Montano broke the Dundee defensive line with a wonderful ball through to Jeremy Bokila, who showed great composure to find the top left corner as his side’s persistence finally paid off. Stevie May stung the palms of McCracken with his attempt for the equaliser. His shot carried a lot of venom from the edge of the area, and the veteran had a low rocket deflect wide just one minute later with the game entering its final fifteen minutes. With 84 minutes on the clock, Australian Tete Yengi got Livingston’s inevitable equaliser having barely been on the pitch for a minute. A ball floated in from left and Yengi’s header sneaked through the legs of McCracken who will not want to see that one back. Livingston were reduced to ten in the final minute of added time, with captain Ryan McGowan adjudged to have denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity. Four points separate Dundee and Livingston, as it did before the game as well. Dundee move up to tenth with a game played more than Kilmarnock in eleventh. Livingston remain winless since the second game of the season, but will be delighted to get back into the game from two behind this afternoon. Livi make the trip to Paisley next weekend to face St. Mirren who have a cup final to deal with tomorrow. As for Dundee, it is another trip Southward to face Motherwell at Fir Park. LIVINGSTON: Prior 5, Montano 7, Wilson 6, McGowan 5, Finlayson 5, Susoho 4 (May 63’ 4), Tait 7, Smith 6, Pittman 6 (Yengi 83’ 4), Brenet 3 (McLennan 46’ 3), Bokila 7 (Muirhead 87’ 1) DUNDEE: McCracken 6, Wright 6, Koumetio 7, Graham 5, Astley 1 (Samuels 28’ 4), Yogane 7 (Acquah 89’ 1), Hamilton 6, Dhanda 6 (Jones 76’ 1), Digby 5, Congreve 6 (Ingram 76’ 1), Murray 5 (Hay 63’ 2)
Newcastle Utd 2-2 Tottenham: Romero Brace Win Spurs an Undeserved Point at St James Park
Cristian Romero was the unlikely hero for Spurs as his first two goals of the season got Tottenham a draw in the Premier League away at Newcastle. Both teams came into this game with 18 points from 13 games, sitting 13th and 14th in the league respectively, with Spurs only above Newcastle on goal difference. Newcastle made two changes from the team that beat Everton 1-4 in their first away win of the season. Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Elanga dropped out for Sandro Tonali and Jacob Murphy. Tottenham made four changes from the team that lost 1-2 at home to Fulham. Mickey van de Ven, Joao Palhihna, Archie Gray and Richarlison being replaced by Cristian Romero, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Brennan Johnson. The first real chance of the game came to Newcastle as Lewis Hall won the ball in the middle of the park, he dribbled well but his shot lacked conviction and trickled wide. As we passed through the first quarter of an hour, Harvey Barnes did well down the left and played a cut back pass to Lewis Miley, but his shot didn’t beat the diving Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario. Newcastle continued to keep possession but were creating little, Hall and Barnes on the left hand side looked increasingly dangerous but lacked the final pass. Eddie Howe’s team kept pushing Spurs defence as this time a Sandro Tonali cross was headed at the back post by Malick Thiaw across goal towards Dan Burn but Kevin Danso got himself in the way to take the sting out the ball and it dropped into Vicario’s arms. A quick double chance for Newcastle again as Joelinton hit a great shot across goal but could only hit the post as it fell to Barnes who’s cross bobbled around the six yard box but again the keeper claims the ball. Finally Spurs got a chance to attack after 37 minutes as Hall was beaten on the wing by Mohammed Kudus and his low cross was met by an audacious flick by Lucas Bergvall who got too much height on the ball as it went over. Newcastle dominated the early minutes of the second half. Barnes made a great direct run but his shot was well saved by Vicario, which rebounded out to Woltemade who’s powerful shot was headed off the line by Danso. Bruno Guimeraes’ corner was half cleared to Jacob Murphy who’s volley into the ground was headed away for another corner, Guimeraes almost scored directly from his second effort as it was punched over by Vicario. A great counter attack from a Spurs corner starts with Newcastle keeper Aaron Ramsdale, throwing it out to Guimaraes who played one of the most ridiculous passes of the season to Jacob Murphy, but his shot was deflected by Pedro Porro as Tottenham scramble it clear. As we entered the last 20 minutes Newcastle finally broke the Spurs defence, substitute Anthony Gordon ran at pace past Porro, his cross was laid off by Woltemade into the path of Guimaraes who side footed a shot past Vicario and into the net. Newcastle almost doubled their lead as Gordon again played a good pass that was miss kicked by Randal Kolo Muani and it fell to Miley but his shot was saved by Vicario who held on to the ball at the second attempt. Out of nowhere Spurs drew level. Kudus got the ball as Hall stood off him, his outside of the foot cross was met by Romero who was still up from a previous corner in front of Burn and it slipped a header past Ramsdale for his first goal of the season. After a VAR check for a penalty after Bentancur had a scuffle in the area with Burn, he was penalised for a holding offence and it was given, Gordon took the penalty and sent the keeper the wrong way to put Newcastle ahead with just four minutes left. Deep into the nine minutes of added time, Spurs pushed for an equaliser as substitutes Wilson Odobert cross was met by Tel but neither Richarlison or Xavi Simons could force it home. Unbelievably, Tottenham drew level once more as a recycled corner fell to Romero again who could have won a penalty after he was brought down managed to get back up and overhead kicked the ball past Ramsdale to almost definitely steal a point they did not deserve. The game ends 2-2, a game that Newcastle thoroughly dominated for large spells but their issues of holding on to leads in games comes back to bite them again. Newcastle UtdAaron Ramsdale, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Lewis Miley (Fabian Schar 90+3), Sandro Tonali (Bruno Guimaraes 46’), Joelinton, Jacob Murphy (Anthony Elanga 66’), Harvey Barnes (Anthony Gordon 66’), Nick Woltemade Bruno Guimeraes (70’)Anthony Gordon (86’) TottenhamGuglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso, Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall (Xavi Simons 77’), Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr (Archie Gray 88’), Brennan Johnson (Mathys Tel 77’), Mohammed Kudus (Wilson Odobert 88’), Randal Kolo Muani (Richarlison 78’) Cristian Romero (78’, 90+5’)
“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.
