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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

'A lot more in him' - Brown on McGregor's Celtic and Scotland success

There is a growing list of similarities between Scott Brown and Callum McGregor's playing careers.

Both men have become synonymous with Celtic and the Scotland national team - but the current Parkhead captain still has a bit of catching up to do in his medal collection.

One thing McGregor has the upper hand on, though, is surpassing Brown's international caps after making his 56th appearance for Scotland against Spain.

And for Brown there is plenty more to come from McGregor in Scotland colours. 

"He’s got a lot more left in him," said Brown when quizzed on McGregor overtaking his 55 cap tally. "It will be up to Callum and how his body is as well, but the wee man looks after himself as well and he is a top pro. 

"He’s always worried about what’s next, what he can do to get better, and I think that’s the way you need to be these days as well. There are probably a few more games than when we played and we have the Nations League as well, getting through that helps Scotland, which is huge. 

"It’s all about him being there and being reliable and being that guy who wants to play for his county in every game."

On the current Scotland squad, he added: "It’s definitely the best squad I’ve seen in a long time because they’ve made the Euros, it’s not by luck or us just making it, they have strolled through it and look like they can hold their own weight in the competitions as well."

There is little doubt Brown played a key role in McGregor's development considering the correlation between their playing achievements. And while Brown does take pride in McGregor's development, he insists it's down to much more than just his tutelage.

"I wouldn't say I held his hand," said Brown. "I helped him through tough times when we both played together and now he’ll be doing the exact same to other lads. 

"I’ve passed that on to him and he has shown his qualities as well, whether it’s Champions League or in games against Rangers and St Johnstone, he is that man everyone looks to make something happen.

"He’s always had that in his locker, and he’s grown into it over the years and the expectation for being captain at Celtic has pushed his game on to another level. 

"A lot of people could have gone under, but he’s controlled himself, understood the role and he’s relished the challenge."

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