On-loan Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers will have to wait a little longer to make his first start in over three years for the US men’s national team.
The 23-year old enjoyed a successful campaign, lifting the league and cup double at Parkhead on loan from Tottenham Hostpur.
He became an essential cog right from the off for Celtic within Ange Postecoglou’s side after joining on transfer deadline day last summer.
His form in the side earned Carter-Vickers a place in the PFA Team of the year, and he was also nominated for SFWA player of the season.
Alongside his nominations for awards in Scotland, the defender also earned a recall to the US men’s national team for their June fixtures.
USA boss Gregg Berhalter offered Carter-Vickers the chance to join the camp for the fixtures taking place this month and also provided the defender with the opportunity to impress ahead of the Qatar World Cup later this year.
So far, Carter-Vickers has collected eight caps for his national side, all of which have come in friendly fixtures. His last appearance came from the bench in June 2019, during a 1-0 loss against Jamaica.
You would have to go back to November 2018 for his last start, in another 1-0 loss, this time to the hands of current European Champions Italy.
Carter-Vickers will still have to wait a little longer for his next start after it was confirmed by Berhalter that his centre-back duo for tomorrow’s friendly against Morocco wouldn’t include the Celtic loanee.
This news left some US fans far from impressed, accusing the National team boss of siding with favourites rather than testing out other options whilst he has the opportunity.
Carter-Vickers’ time will come for the national team; hopefully that can be earned as a Celtic player.
Carter-Vickers has more than earned his opportunity to impress for the US national team. So, there might be some frustration on his part.
However, I am sure that chance will come for him during this international break with another three fixtures still to come. Even if it isn’t from the start, the defender should have a place off the bench within the next few games.
If not, there will be plenty more opportunities to come in the future, and that is clear to see with the quality Carter-Vickers has as a player.
Of course, as Celtic fans, we will be hoping those will come with Carter-Vickers wearing the Green and White after signing a permanent deal this summer. Fingers crossed!
In other news, Injury opens door to massive World Cup opportunity for Celtic’s Anthony Ralston.
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