Callum McGregor pays Simon Murray the ultimate compliment as Celtic skipper champions Dundee standout

The 33-year-old is aiming to cap off a career less ordinary as he aims to earn a national team call-up under Steve Clarke

Celtic skipper Callum McGregor joined the bulging Simon Murray fan club and then backed the in-form striker to smash it for Scotland if Steve Clarke comes calling..

The 33-year-old is Scottish football's Cinderella man after rising from the Juniors to Premiership joint top scorer alongside Daizen Maeda on 16 goals.

And the forward is vital to Dundee in their battle to avoid the relegation play-off trap door slamming in their face.

McGregor has been left seriously impressed by the make-up of his fellow SPFA player of the year nominee and his knack for making the difference when it matters most.

The Parkhead captain said: "He's done amazing. Probably the one if I had to pick outside Celtic, he has probably been the outstanding candidate. He's scored a lot of goals, he's scored in big games and he's actually played really well against us as well.

"So he's given us problems. I always look at who's been good against us as well and try to pick somebody from that. He more than deserves his place here."

Murray's form at his hometown club comes off the back of his talismanic role with both Ross County and Queen's Park.

And McGregor sees no reason why the man who has walked a road less ordinary can't also find his pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in the form of national team recognition.

He added: "I think he's done amazing. He's the type of guy that would represent Scotland in the best possible way. He works as hard as he possibly can. He's sprinting about the pitch constantly. He's always trying to help his team.

"He's trying to set the tone. And then when you score that number of goals as well, then you know he's got a goal in him. Like I said, he'd probably be the perfect candidate. If he was going to get there in the summer, then who knows."

Clarke will name his squad next month for the friendlies with Iceland and Liechtenstein and summer exhibition matches have often been a shot for national team bosses to think outside the box.

McGregor reckons age is only a number for the forward as he aims to cap a remarkable climb through the ranks.

He said: "You've seen everybody has different journeys and you see some of the England boys as well that have come in late on and done really well. Same with Scotland as well.

"I don't think there should ever be an age limit on when you can get back in the squad or get your first cap or whatever it is.

"If you're doing well at the moment - of course you need a bit of luck as well - then I don't think there should be a limit on that. If you're doing well and you deserve it, then you should be in."