That's what happens when you retire from Scotland!

Clarke's loss is Rodgers' gain as Cal stunner hints skipper and Celts will reap retirement benefits

- MICHAEL GANNON

THE big Brendan Rodgers smile said it all. But high in the stands at Easter Road, Steve Clarke could have been forgiven for letting out a sob.

The Scotland boss was sat next to No.2 John Carver yesterday and it might have been painful viewing watching the Celtic captain running the show and sticking a stunner into the top corner just days after announcing his international retirement.

It was up there with Bully dragging out the speedboat at the end of Bullseye, showing the poor punters what they might have won if they'd hit double tops.

Rodgers knows Scotland's loss is Celtic's gain. He saw it in spades again on a sunny afternoon in the capital.

McGregor was at his puppet-master best, pulling the strings and bossing the midfield, helping tee up Matt O'Riley and Reo Hatate to steamroller the home side in another devastating first-half display.

And to cap it off, he popped up with a worldie of a goal for the second, when he whipped his left boot around the ball and sent it fizzing into the top corner from more than 25 yards.

Cheers in the away end - and sighs from the Scotland gaffer.

Rodgers tried to keep a straight face when asked afterwards if he had some sympathy for Stevie.

The Hoops gaffer said: "He (McGregor) was brilliant. That's what happens when you retire from Scotland!

"I do feel for Steve because he's a quality player, of course.