'It's a privilege to have represented my country for so long'published at 12:12 9 August
Celtic captain Callum McGregor has described his 63-cap Scotland career as a "huge honour" after retiring from international football.
The 31-year-old made his debut against the Netherlands in 2017 and bows out having played at two major tournaments - Euro 2020 and 2024.
McGregor, who started all three games in Germany at this summer's finals, said: "I have made a decision which was very difficult, of course, but a decision which I feel is the right one at the right time.
"It was very important I spoke to [Scotland manager] Steve [Clarke] and I did that this week to make him aware of my intentions. As I said to Steve, I just felt the time is right for me to move on from international football.
"It has been a huge honour to achieve 63 caps for my country, as appearing just once would have been a dream come true, so to achieve 63 and be inducted into the Roll of Honour at 50 caps is something I could only have dreamed of as a young kid."
McGregor's goal against Croatia at Hampden in June 2021 made him the first Scotland men's player to score at a major tournament in 23 years.
His two other Scotland goals came against Ukraine in a World Cup play-off and against Georgia during the successful Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
"Playing for Scotland always meant so much to me and reaching two major tournaments will always be a source of real pride, and scoring at Hampden in the Euros in front of our fantastic supporters will always be a special highlight for me," added the midfielder.
"Of course, like many others I wish we could have gone further in these competitions but, nonetheless, it has been a privilege to have played for my country on such a stage and to have represented my country for such a long period."