One of the downsides of signing exciting international talents is the impact it can have on Celtic when they head off to represent their countries.
The Bhoys have experienced a lot of that with Tom Rogic over the years and now summer signing Kyogo Furuhashi is set to join him on a similar schedule.
Both Australia and Japan are in the same 2022 World Cup qualification group, which kicks off over the coming weeks in various stadiums around Asia. Kyogo and Rogic have both been included in their nations’ squads.
Japan have two matches to play. The first of those is in Suita, Japan this coming Thursday. Kyogo and his teammates will then travel to the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar for a match Tuesday 7th Sept.
That’s where Rogic will kick off his international break doubleheader on Thursday. After facing China, the Socceroos will then travel from Doha to Hanoi, taking on Vietnam at the Mỹ Đình National Stadium next Tuesday night.
Our European-based players don’t have it much easier in honesty. Players such as Carl Starfelt, Callum McGregor, Josip Juranovic and Liel Abada have all been called up to play a gauntlet of three matches, rather than two.
It’ll be a nervous wait for Celtic fans hoping that they all return both injury and Covid free. But this is the reality of modern international football and something we have to cope with from a strong squad.
Players love representing their nations and this is the price you pay for signing quality players. Good luck to everyone looking to secure big results over the next ten or so days!
In other news, Celtic youngster Rocco Vata makes Republic of Ireland step up.
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