Scotland boss Steve Clarke has stated that he was left ‘disappointed’ with Celtic’s decision not to release their players for the up-and-coming friendly against Turkey.
The Tartan Army are preparing to play their final game of 2022 later this month, and earlier today, Clarke named his squad for the trip.
There was no place for any member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad after the Celtic boss revealed that they would be travelling to Australia instead.
Just one day after Scotland take on Turkey, on the 16th of November, Postecoglou’s side will go up against Sydney FC in their first game of the Sydney Super Cup tournament.
Ahead of the Bhoys’ visit to face Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership this evening, the Celtic manager disclosed that none of his squad would be joining Clarke’s squad, with the likes of Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor expected to be called up.
Although the match-up in Turkey is a non-competitive game, and the Hoops did not have to release their players, the Scotland boss admitted he was left disappointed by the decision.
Speaking to the press after his squad announcement, the former Kilmarnock manager also stated that the club had not been in contact with him personally but instead with the SFA to inform them of their decision.
He said [Football Daily]: “I don’t know why because there is a World Cup going on, and that sounds pretty official to me. The clubs don’t have to release their players, and Celtic have chosen not to release their players for this game.
“I have to say, I’m disappointed with that decision. But we have to take it on the chin, and it’s a chance for someone else.”
When asked if anyone from Celtic had been in touch with him, Clarke continued: “Personally, none. It was just a blanket decision. Celtic have said that none of their players are available for any international games. So all the countries are affected.”
Ange Postecoglou set to take strong Celtic squad to Australia.
Although Clarke might be frustrated, you can certainly see the reasoning behind Celtic’s decision to have their players remain with the club for our trip down under.
And the Scotland boss isn’t the only one affected, with it also being revealed that Carl Starfelt will be heading to Australia rather than going with the Swedish national team [Daily Record].
Ange Postecoglou is keen to see his team put in a good performance in his homeland, even if the games aren’t competitive outings, with his sides looking to keep up their strong momentum from the start of the season.
Ultimately, it was Celtic’s choice of whether they wanted to release their players, and they made the decision not to on this occasion.
For many Celtic supporters, particularly those headed to watch the Bhoys in Sydney, it will be seen as a sensible call and one they agree with.
There is no need for their involvement in this international friendly, and Clarke should take the opportunity to test out some different options in his squad.
Postecoglou is well aware of the pressures that come with international management. So this is a decision he wouldn’t have taken lightly, and one he is absolutely spot on in.
In other news, Celtic boss delivers thrilling World Cup prediction for second half of the season.
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