I have concluded that Gordon Strachan is trolling Celtic fans, much like he sometimes did when he was the Celtic manager.
The stubborn Scot made some unpopular decisions in his time at Celtic, and while rose tinted specs might stop a few from admitting it, for a manager who won 3 titles in a row and had the success that he did, he was not universally loved by the supporters. So much so that the first time he didn’t win the league, which went to the last day – the fans wanted him gone.
Now, this sounds like I’m having a pop at the now Scotland manager but I’m not – that’s what happened, well at least from my perspective. Over dependency on individual players and a flippant approach to answering questions after tough games rubbed many the wrong way.
Of course, we had many great times under his guidance and always thankful to him for creating some great memories that will last a life time – The title for Tommy being a particular highlight for myself.
Yesterday, however, I was reminded of the frustrating side of the manager when he made his call up’s known for Scotland’s next two games.
Had you asked me before the announcement, there’s one man who I would have put my house on being called up to play for his country – Callum McGregor.
Callum has been outstanding and has even changed my opinion of him as a bit-part player to someone who can make a real difference to a talented Celtic team. So when the call up’s came in, and he was nowhere to be seen I was more than confused.
Stuart Armstrong has been called up and correctly after the season he just had, but since the start of the season, the player has been largely ineffectual and making appearances from the bench because his contract situation was becoming a burden. Since the commencement of the season, Callum has looked ready to go and helped Celtic propel themselves to the brink of Champions League qualification.
His forward thinking, eye for a pass and general play warrants a call-up. Gordon Strachan doesn’t think so.
The Scotland manager says there are players in-front of Callum who has performed over many years under his management. I’m going to adopt Gordon’s flippant demeanour now when I ask, what have we qualified for with the players you speak of – It seems like he’s actively trolling us.
Scotland is not blessed with a lot of talent in an attacking sense, and it seems a no brainer to include Callum in the squad. Something a bit different, and someone who is more than familiar than playing with the likes of Armstrong and Brown.
Alas, it’s not to be – Brendan Rodgers spoke of his confusion at his player’s omission, and while Callum himself will be disappointed, I’m sure there’s a lot of Celtic fans that will see the advantage of him not taking part in international duty.
