Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be well aware of his current absentee list that has limited his options across several positions since the winter break.
Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, Yang Hyun-jun, Hyeongyu Oh and Marco Tilio are all involved at the AFC Asian Cup as they bid to win silverware for their respective nations in Qatar.
Japan, South Korea and Australia have all booked their place in the last 16 of the competition, which will please and frustrate Rodgers in equal measure.
Nevertheless, the Irishman will harbour hope that his players can return to first-team action feeling refreshed and better for the experience.
In truth, he could’ve done with some of his missing players yesterday as the Bhoys laboured to a narrow victory over Ross County courtesy of a strike in the first minute from Alistair Johnston.
Despite securing three important points on home soil, Celtic lacked intuition in the final third and were nearly made to pay in the final stages of proceedings, with Jordan White and Josh Sims both missing gilt-edged chances to level for the visitors.
Celtic winger Marco Tilio advances to AFC Asian Cup quarter-final
Australia were in action earlier today in the AFC Asian Cup last 16 against Indonesia and prevailed in a 4-0 victory, where an own goal from Eklan Baggott alongside efforts from Martin Boyle, Craig Goodwin and Harry Souttar secured their passage into the quarter-final [Reuters].
Tilio didn’t manage to get on to the pitch; nevertheless, the Socceroos are now into the last eight and could create an all-Celtic affair in Qatar against the winners of Saudi Arabia vs South Korea, if the latter emerge victorious.
The 22-year-old has made just one brief appearance at the tournament as a substitute in his nation’s 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan during the dying stages of their second group match.
Being a part of a successful collective on the international stage is only likely to boost Tilio’s confidence, which could prove handy if he remains at the club beyond this month amid speculation over his future.
For now, he will remain in the Middle East for a little while longer as Australia chase AFC Asian Cup glory for the first time since 2015 under Ange Postecoglou.
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