MX23RW : Friday, November 22 04:43:34| >> :120:43925:43925:

Ange Postecoglou looking forward to watching Callum McGregor in action

Postecoglou looking forward to watching McGregor in action
© Reuters
The midfielder's performances at Euro 2020 have got the new Parkhead boss excited.

Ange Postecoglou admits he cannot wait to get a closer look at Celtic's Euro 2020 representatives after singling out Callum McGregor for special mention.

The midfielder fired Scotland's only goal of the tournament against Croatia but it was not enough to prevent Steve Clarke's side making an early exit.

McGregor's performances have got new Parkhead boss Postecoglou excited.

The Greek-born Australian arrived at Lennoxtown on Thursday to take his first training session after finally checking into Glasgow the day before.

But he will have to wait a few more days before he gets the chance to run the rule over McGregor and fellow Scotland squad members James Forrest, Greg Taylor, Ryan Christie and David Turnbull.

The Hoops quintet will be given extra time off to recover from their efforts over the summer before rejoining their club-mates ahead of their pre-season trip to Wales.

"They will need a bit of a break now but I can't wait to get them back here," said Postecoglou.

"The first thing is giving some of them a bit of a break because physically and emotionally they've been on a bit of a rollercoaster and it's always good to have a little bit of a break.

"As soon as they're ready to come back in it will be good to meet up with them and I'm sure they will be as enthusiastic as anyone else to get going."

While Christie started up front alongside Lyndon Dykes in the Scots' Group D opener against the Czech Republic, McGregor found himself on the bench.

But a damaging 2-0 Hampden defeat prompted a rethink and McGregor was recalled by Clarke to face England in London – with Postecoglou watching on from the Wembley stands.

The Hoops ace was paired with Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour in the heart of midfield and together they put in a tireless display to frustrate Gareth Southgate's Three Lions, with a goalless draw injecting fresh hope into the Tartan Army's dreams of the last 16.

McGregor then became the first Scot since Craig Burley back in 1998 to net at a major finals with his goal against World Cup finalists Croatia – but Luka Modric turned up the style to send Clarke's side spinning out following a 3-1 defeat.

But it was McGregor's display which had Postecoglou purring.

"Callum was outstanding," said the Celtic manager. "I watched the England v Scotland game live and he was great that night.

"He put in another great performance (against Croatia). I think all the lads will have had a positive experience.

"I know it didn't end up being fantastic but just being part of a major tournament will leave them full of confidence."

ID:452603: cacheID:452603:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4288:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Hungary at Euro 2020 on June 15, 2021
Read Next:
A statistical look at the group stage of Euro 2020
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Steelers
@
Browns
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1110103132831
2Aberdeen11101024101431
3RangersRangers11713168822
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd125431813519
5Motherwell116141514119
6St Mirren134361722-515
7Dundee123361824-612
8Kilmarnock123361525-1012
9Ross County132651021-1112
10St Johnstone133191627-1110
11Hearts132381420-69
12Hibernian121561118-78


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!