Souness offers remarkable defence to Callum McGregor criticism | OneFootball

Graeme Souness has offered a remarkable explanation for his barbed criticism of Callum McGregor in Scotland’s defeat to Germany on Friday. The former Liverpool and Rangers manager was part of the punditry team and referred to McGregor as ‘the Celtic captain’ in what was deemed to be a pretty childish dig.

On Talksport on Monday morning, Souness responded to a caller that levelled criticism at the former Rangers man, prompting the bizarre, fairly implausible response.

“I can answer that, I couldn’t remember his name. But I knew he was captain of Celtic. I was critical of him because if you remember the build up to the goal, he tried to nick it off [Ilkay] Gundogan and Gundogan turned him.

“He should have just been goal side trying to get a challenge in, but he tried to step in front and nick it. Further on in the same attack which led to the goal, he’s tried to nick it off Jamal Musiala again. So twice he’s tried to nick it instead of just being strong in the challenge and that would’ve prevented us conceding that goal.

“I have to say, that question can only arise in the west of Scotland. I forgot his name, I couldn’t remember his name but I knew he was a good little football player and if it’s been taken as a slant or criticism, I didn’t mean it. I genuinely forgot his name.”

Souness, who is being employed as a pundit in these games, might have used his opportunity in the ITV studio to alert viewers to the fact that McGregor was left isolated by his midfield colleagues, allowing Germany to isolate and exploit the Celtic skipper. The comment was personal about McGregor and he’s rightfully apologised for it.

It is slightly concerning that one of the pro-Scotland pundits could not remember the name of someone that has been a constant in the national team for the last eight years. Scotland will now try and put this woeful performance from the squad to one side and focus on picking up four points in their remaining two games to attempt to qualify for the knockout stages.