Celtic fans will be relieved that the international break is over, and excitement is brewing with the return of Scottish Premiership action this weekend.
During the latest stop to club football, 13 Bhoys jetted off to represent their countries and helped to fill the Celtic-shaped void for supporters looking to get their fix of the beautiful game.
Arne Engels enjoyed his full Belgium debut, while Celtic’s Japanese contingent claimed some minutes under Hajime Moriyasu as his side saw off Indonesia and China.
Along similar lines, Anthony Ralston helped Scotland overcome Croatia and Poland. Luis Palma and Paulo Bernardo got on the scoresheet with Honduras and Portugal Under-21s respectively, so there is plenty to chew over after an eventful break.
Casting that aside, Kasper Schmeichel looks to have stolen the show with his exploits for Denmark, leading to some exciting recognition for the 38-year-old veteran.
Kasper Schmeichel earns deserved Denmark recognition
Over the break, Schmeichel helped Denmark draw 0-0 away to Serbia to take the point they needed to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Nations League for the first time in their existence.
Called into action on six occasions, the Celtic stopper lived up to his reputation and now has a shot at competing in the finals come March, with the draw for the last eight set to be made later this week.
Featuring among esteemed company, Schmeichel has been included in WhoScored’s team of the week after helping Denmark to complete what will go down as a historical achievement.
Joao Felix, Dominik Szoboszlai and Adrien Rabiot comprise some of the other high-profile names on the list, but the main thing is there is some Celtic representation following another international window!
Kasper Schmeichel’s perfect preparation for Celtic duty
Off the back of a clean sheet against Serbia, you would have to say that things couldn’t have gone much better for Schmeichel as Celtic take his primary focus until next March.
Bhoys supporters know his ability to defy opposition frontlines is nothing new. The former Leicester City goalkeeper already has 11 clean sheets in 18 matches this term across all competitions.
With a trip to face Hearts under the light at Tynecastle on the agenda, wouldn’t it be wonderful if Schmeichel managed to continue his welcome trend in the capital?
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