No Spain No gain

Spain are the benchmark.. that's been the model for the past 10 years. They are one of the top nations in the world but there's no point in standing back and trying to admire these guys | McGregor wants Scots to be at their best

- CARIG SWAN

CALLUM MCGREGOR reckons Spain have been the model for a dozen years.

But the Scotland star believes his team can follow their stylish blueprint tomorrow night and prove themselves capable of making another major step forward under Steve Clarke.

McGregor is well known as a student of the game.

When he's not starring for Celtic or his country, the 29-year-old is often glued to the TV watching games.

McGregor soaks up information. He's looking at every detail that he can find.

Clarke's assistant John Carver said last week that, when he talks to the Parkhead ace, he feels like he's conversing with a fellow coach as well as a top-class footballer.

Since becoming a senior star, McGregor has been an admirer of the way Spain have gone about their business, and as a midfielder of quality, he's aware that caring for the ball and making it a prisoner has stood their top club and international sides in good stead.

McGregor assessed the style of the Spanish and, when asked if it was the benchmark, he said: "I think so.

"I think for everybody, starting 10 to 12 years ago, that's been the model.

"Spain are one of the top nations in the world..

"I watch football every night, so it's always good to watch different countries play, their cultures and how they play football and piece the game together.