Celtic’s relationship with the Scottish National Team has always been a curious one.
Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston are the only two members of Brendan Rodgers’ squad who are currently in the picture under Steve Clarke.
The Lisbon Lions were infamously underused in the national side of that era, despite conquering Europe as a team of Scots.
The club’s connections to Ireland mean a large portion of the support aren’t even Scotland fans, with some not caring about international football at all.
For one former Celt, the SFA once tried to block him from playing for his country, before a legendary manager.
Former Celtic man reveals Scotland denial
Breaking into your international side isn’t easy – especially when you’re playing in the lower leagues.
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Darren Jackson eventually made 28 appearances for Scotland, featuring during his solitary Celtic season under Wim Jansen.
Speaking on the Scottish Sun’s YouTube channel, Jackson recalled the time that Craig Brown rescued him from being blocked to feature for the Scotland Under-21s, whilst playing part-time at Meadowbank Thistle.
He said: “I was at Meadowbank working as a printer, and Terry [Christie] phoned my work one morning to say that I had been selected for Scotland Under-21s. Craig was obviously the manager.
“Craig later told me that after he named me in the squad, Ernie Walker [SFA CEO] walked into his room, threw the sheet on the table and said ‘I’m not having a second division player in our Under-21s. It’s not acceptable.
“Craig turned around and said ‘Listen, I think he’s got a chance, he’s a good player,’ and he said ‘You need to change that. We’re not having him in our Under-21s.”
The SFA were eventually convinced of Jackson when he signed for Newcastle the next day.
Will Kieran Tierney get back into the Scotland side?
A present player whose Scotland future could be in doubt is Kieran Tierney.
Tierney pulled out of the recent Scotland matches due to injury issues, and started last week’s win against Kilmarnock on the bench.
Given his battle for fitness, many Hoops fans will be hoping to see him stay away from the national side.
He isn’t short on competition for the left side of defence, with Andy Robertson often forcing him into a place in the back three.
With four crucial qualifiers coming up for Clarke’s side before the end of the year, Tierney may be forced to play through the injury risk.
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