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Callum McGregor and Ryan Jack ‘too busy’ to speak about Rangers v Celtic rivalry on Scotland international duty
Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor says he and Rangers counterpart Ryan Jack are “too busy” to discuss their club rivalry while on Scotland international duty.
Both midfielders have been called up by manager Steve Clarke for Sctoland’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Cyprus and Spain later this month.
McGregor is in line to make his 50th appearance for his country, with Jack hoping to win cap number 15 against Cyprus at Hampden Park.
“Is there any awkwardness because he plays for Rangers? As you get older you start to realise these things (don’t matter), the reason we are playing at a high level is because we are really competitive,” said McGregor, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“Ryan wants to win for his club and so do I. But when we turn up for Scotland, we are desperate for Scotland to do well, there are different rivalries throughout the camp but the minute we go through the door as Scotland players that is the only focus.
“We’re too busy to joke about it! Between playing, recovering, training, we’re too busy to talk about anything else.”
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Rivalries aside
While both McGregor and Jack were handed their Scotland debuts back in 2017, it is the former who has really progressed for the national team, with the Rangers man missing squads due to injuries and a lack of form.
But both could have key roles to play as Scotland host Cyprus and Spain later this month, with Clarke’s men eager to get off to the best start possible.
It has certainly been another tense season between Celtic and Rangers, but Scotland boss Clarke will be keen for McGregor to stick to his word and keep club rivalries out of the national team.
The midfield duo have already formed a strong partnership in previous Scotland matches, and they will be eager to do the same in front of their home fans in the upcoming fixtures.
With both Manchester United and Manchester City players called up to the latest England squad, Gareth Southgate finds himself in a similar situation south of the border, but the players selected should definitely be professional enough to put any personal rivalries aside.
In other Rangers news, one Gers player has been slammed by Kenny Miller for his involvement in Motherwell’s red card in the league meeting on Saturday.