Celtic’s contingent of Scotland internationals have been handed a potential clash between club and country after the Scottish FA announced a friendly in November.
Yesterday afternoon, it was confirmed that Steve Clarke’s side would be travelling to Turkey to participate in their tenth and final international fixture of 2022.
Neither of the two teams will be taking part in the Qatar World Cup tournament, with the fixture being labelled as an opportunity for the Tartan Army to prepare for ‘next year’s UEFA EURO 2024 qualification campaign’.
Members of Ange Postecoglou’s squad, including Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor, Anthony Ralston and David Turnbull, are slowly growing into regular features within Steve Clarke’s Scotland camp.
The recent upturn in form of veteran winger James Forrest could also entice the former Kilmarnock boss to reintroduce him to the squad.
With the fixture set to take place in Turkey on Wednesday, 16th of November, Scots will be available for action as domestic leagues pause during the months of November and December due to the World Cup.
So, Steve Clarke will have his pick of the bunch as he looks to get his squad ready for their next qualifying campaign at the beginning of 2023.
However, the 59-year-old will likely have to go without any of the Scottish Celtic players as the Bhoys prepare to participate in some friendlies of their own.
Just a day after the Tartan Army’s fixture against Turkey, Ange Postecoglou’s side are scheduled to play their first game of the Sydney Super game, against Sydney FC, down under.
And a few days later, the Hoops will play their second match of ‘Ange’s homecoming tour’ when they face off against English Premier League side Everton.
Celts look set to travel to Australia and miss out on Scotland friendly.
Although featuring for your nation is arguably one of the biggest feats in football, you would imagine this is one the Scotland internationals amongst the Celtic squad are happy to miss out.
Whilst it could present a chance to the likes of Ralston, Turnbull or Forrest to try and nail down their spot in Clarke’s side, you would imagine the Scotland boss will be looking to go a little more experimental with his squad that heads to Turkey next month.
So, travelling to Australia with Ange Postecoglou and the rest of their available teammates will provide them with the best opportunity to keep their match sharpness at a high level.
The Celtic boss has already admitted he is keen to see his side at their very best in this tournament. So, the Bhoys fixtures down under may have more of a competitive feel.
It should be interesting to see whether the Scottish Celtic contingent are simply left out of the squad due to their Australia-friendly involvement or whether Clarke will attempt to call up a few players.
However, I think it is more likely that we will see them pulling on the green and white Hoops rather than Scotland’s navy blue next month.
In other news, Celtic loanee eyeing up Ibrox result as he discusses his versatile defensive role.
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