Celtic winger Liel Abada is set to feature for the Israeli national team against Albania in the UEFA Nations League tonight but will immediately join up with the U21 group for a big match against their Republic of Ireland counterparts midweek.
Abada has started the last three fixtures for Israel’s senior side, even scoring his first international goal against Iceland.
However, with U21 Euros qualification on the line against the Irish, he’ll be drafted in to provide reinforcement alongside Eden Kartsev of Maccabi Netanya and Doron Leidner of Olympiacos.
Israel’s final UEFA Nations League match is tonight, with no need for Abada and company when Israel visit Malta for a friendly on Tuesday.
The news was confirmed by U21 boss Guy Lozon this weekend, after drawing 1-1 in the first leg with the Irish youngsters in Dublin on Friday night.
The return fixture is in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening, with the winners to progress into the 2023 U21 Euros alongside Germany, Spain, Italy, France and England, amongst others.
If Israel make it, Abada will be eligible for selection in the summer tournament, which is being co-hosted by Romania and Georgia.
He’ll certainly add a significant threat for the Irish U21s to deal with after a lightning start to the season that has included a hat-trick against Dundee United and goals in a huge derby at home to Rangers.
It’s a big week for the 20-year-old!
In other news, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou lands back in Glasgow ahead of big week at Lennoxtown.
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