On-loan Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas has been recalled to the Greek international squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixtures later this month.
It has been a frustrating few years for the 28-year-old after he joined the Hoops back in the summer of 2020 under former boss Neil Lennon.
Barkas failed to make his mark at Parkhead, despite the high expectations that came with arriving for a fee believed to be in the region of £5 million.
After also failing to break into Ange Postecoglou’s plans, the goalkeeper has since been loaned out to Dutch side FC Utrecht in the hope that he can get his career back on track.
Before joining Celtic, during the latter stages of his days at AEK Athens, Barkas was starting to become a regular member of the Greek international squad.
Of course, after his dramatic slip in form and no consistent game time, the shot-stopper lost his place in the 26-man squad.
However, heading out on loan to the Netherlands seems to be slowly rejuvenating Barkas, and he has started to regain some form, keeping two clean sheets in his six appearances so far.
His form for Utrecht has also seen Barkas named in Gus Poyet’s Greek international squad for the UEFA Nations League fixtures set to take place later this month.
It remains to be seen what part Barkas will have to play in the squad. But I am sure he will be hopeful of game time against either Cyrpus or Nothern Ireland, with Greece currently flying high at the top of their group.
Also joining Barkas in the Greece squad is his former teammate and current member of Ange Postecoglou’s first team squad Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Barkas’ time at Celtic may have been harmful to his international opportunities. However, it has been the exact opposite for Giakouamakis, who has had a brilliant six months on the domestic and international front.
It should be interesting to see if this international call-up provides the on-loan Celtic man with a confidence boost ahead of his season with Utrecht.
A strong showing in the Netherlands could open up many different transfer opportunities, which would allow the Hoops to move the goalkeeper on come next summer.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou delivers strong wake up call for Celtic in first media appearance since Real Madrid.
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