Callum McGregor admits a ruthless streak and ability to put emotional sentimentality to one side arrived better late than never against Ukraine.
But the Celtic midfielder believes the agony of a World Cup semi-final play-off defeat at Hampden to the war-torn nation back in June was a lesson on not allowing universal sympathy over the horrors of the ongoing Russian invasion distract from the task in hand. A 3-1 loss to Oleksandr Petrakov’s side this summer denied the Scots the chance of taking a giant step towards Qatar 22 amid a wave of public support and empathy for a nation that washed Stevie Clarke’s men aside.
That disappointment remains fresh for McGregor. And after a 3-0 payback win in Glasgow, he aims to complete the double against the Ukrainians on Tuesday night in Krakow to secure top place in Group B1 of the Nations League.
