CALLUM McGregor feels he has an early chance to impress new Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou this month - by shining for Scotland at the Euro 2020 finals.
And the experienced midfielder is hoping he can do so by netting his first goal for his country in the Group D matches against the Czech Republic, England and Croatia.
Vastly-experienced Greek-Australian coach Postecoglou was confirmed as the permanent replacement for Neil Lennon by the Parkhead club on Thursday.
McGregor has been preparing for Euro 2020 with the national squad at their base in the north-east of England this week and has not yet talked to the 55-year-old.
But he expects the former South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Australia and Yokohama F Marinos manager will be tuning in to Scotland’s matches with interest in the coming days. Ryan Christie, James Forrest, Greg Taylor and David Turnbull are also involved.
The 30-times capped 27-year-old, who has never scored at international level, intends to show him what he can contribute for Celtic in the 2021/22 campaign by opening his account.
Asked if thought Postecoglou would be looking on when he played McGregor said: “I’m sure he will be. It’s a fresh start when we go back. I have this chance to impress from afar.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet. I’m just focusing on the Scotland stuff, preparing for these three games and hopefully more. We will deal with the club stuff when I get back.
“The Champions League games come around so quickly. It’s the same very season you get a break and then are straight into high pressure fixtures again.”
The prospect of scoring for Scotland for the first time on a stage like Euro 2020 is an appealing one for McGregor.
“Aye, that would be nice,” he said. “I probably play slightly deeper for Scotland so it’s a different job. But, of course, I would love to get off the mark.
“First and foremost there is a job to do for the team. That’s the main thing and then the goalscorers will quite rightly get the credit.
“When you’re asked to do a different role then you do it to the best of your ability. That might limit my chances going forward, but I have to do it.”
McGregor continued: “It’s the first time the men’s team have qualified for a major tournament in over 20 years. Everyone is getting excited about it, you feel the anticipation grow and it’s great for the country.
“Everyone is so proud to be part of it in Scotland. Just desperate for the first game to come. There will be a real party atmosphere and we want to deliver.”
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