Paul Lambert claims Callum McGregor could end up with a career regret

In August 2024, the Celtic captain ended his international career following a disastrous European Championships in Germany for Steve Clarke’s side. However, McGregor earned 63 caps for his country across a seven-year period.

Having played what feels like every minute of every game since Brendan Rodgers’ first spell as manager, McGregor consistently racks up an impressive number of appearances each season and chose to forgo additional international caps to preserve his club form.

From one Celtic captain to another, Lambert completely respects the choice of retiring from international duties but thinks that, looking back later in life, the 32-year-old might regret not extending his Scotland career a bit further.

Speaking in Daily Record, Lambert said: “I understand it. I think he might look back on it and think, maybe I should have played a bit longer for the national team.”

“It’s not until you finish that you think, maybe I should have played more games. He’s still got the energy and the way he plays the game suits him. But I understand why he’s done it and thought; well I’m going to play a lot of games for Celtic in the league and Europe.”

“If he looks back and thinks he could’ve played in another tournament or qualifier, then he might have changed his decision. He could have played longer for the national team – but he knows better.”

Lambert is also confident that McGregor still has plenty to offer at club level and can continue playing for several more seasons. While Calmac will eventually have to hang up the boots for good one day, the former Celtic and Borussia Dortmund midfielder does not see that moment arriving in the near future.

He added: “Hopefully injury doesn’t catch him or anything like that. I think he can definitely play another few years at that level. It’s like anything – Father Time catches you and decides when you’re finished. It’s getting your head around that when that day eventually comes.”

“But regarding playing for another few years, definitely. It’s important. I would say to him, play as long as you can at the highest level and then bow out – because you’re a long time out of it. I always had it in my head that 35 was enough. I had no regrets.”

“I had played at a really high level, won the biggest thing in the game and won a lot of titles at Celtic. I was really happy with how my career had gone. I was fortunate to play with some great teams and play in a World Cup. Would I want to play beyond Celtic? No. I wanted to finish at the top of it – and I did that.”

Conor Spence

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