As many as seven Celtic stars could be facing each other in World Cup qualifiers next year after Scotland were once again drawn in a group with Israel.
Nir Bitton and Hatem Elhamed are regular contributors to the Israeli national team, whilst Scotland could have Leigh Griffiths, James Forrest, Ryan Christie, Callum McGregor, and Greg Taylor all involved.
Scotland have been regular rivals of the Israelis in recent times. The two countries met in the first-ever Nations League group back in 2018 before they were drawn together once again in the B section last year. In addition to that, the two were drawn in a Euro 2020 playoff clash at Hampden back in October.
As well as Scotland and Israel, their World Cup qualifying group also contains Denmark, Austria, Faroe Islands, and Moldova respectively. Both sides will look at the group as a good opportunity to qualify.
Should Scotland top the group, it would be the first time the nation has qualified for a World Cup tournament since France 1998. For Israel, it would be the first time they’d have qualified for a World Cup since 1970.
How likely is it for each Celt to be involved?
The dates for the fixtures between Scotland and Israel have yet to be released. However, qualification for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar will take place over the course of 2021. There will be three matchdays in March and September, with October and November’s breaks containing two matchdays apiece (UEFA).
Looking at Scotland, you have to imagine a good four out of the five Celts have a great chance to be involved. Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie have been mainstays under Steve Clarke, whilst James Forrest was never out of his team before his long-term injury. Celtic will be hoping to have him back sooner rather than later.
Leigh Griffiths has a fight on his hands to overcome the challenges posed by Lyndon Dykes and Oli McBurnie, but a strong start to 2021 could still see him force his way into Clarke’s side.
Only Greg Taylor is likely to miss out given Liverpool superstar Andrew Robertson and top-quality alternative Kieran Tierney will be available. Only injuries look like giving Greg another international opportunity.
With Elhamed and Bitton almost certs to play for Israel in the two meetings with the Scots, it’s going to be an extremely interesting tussle once again when they come up against each other.
Elsewhere in the World Cup qualifying draw, Kris Ajer and Moi Elyounoussi’s Norway have tasty games against the Netherlands and Turkey to look forward to. Vasilis Barkas’ Greece will face Spain and Sweden, whilst Shane Duffy’s Ireland come up against Portugal and Serbia.
Albian Ajeti will be hoping to break into the Swiss squad before they play the likes of Italy and Northern Ireland.
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