USA boss Gregg Berhalter has confirmed his decision to start Cameron Carter-Vickers against Iran on Tuesday evening was due to his experience at Celtic.
The 24-year-old took his place at the centre of the back four, alongside Fulham defender Tim Ream, making his first World Cup appearance.
In each of the USA’s two games so far in the group stages, CCV has remained on the bench. But he was given the chance from the start last night.
And the American boss certainly didn’t regret his decision, as the Celtic defender played his part in the 1-0 win over Iran, which sent them to the last 16 of the prestigious tournament.
Carter-Vickers was heavily praised by the media in his homeland, thanks to his ‘immense’ performance at the back, helping the US keep a clean sheet.
When his name featured in the starting line-up for the first time at the World Cup, US and Celtic supporters were a bit surprised to see him in there.
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Despite his impressive displays for the Hoops, Berhalter decided to stick with the pairing of Ream and MLS centre-back Walker Zimmerman.
However, the US boss switched things up, and his decision to do so was for tactical reasons, as he looked to use Carter-Vickers Celtic experience to his advantage.
With Iran going into the game only needing a draw, Berhalter confirmed to CBS journalist Ives Galarcep that his reason for selecting the Hoops man was due to his experience of facing teams that set up in a low defensive block, as they regularly do in the Scottish Premiership against Celtic.
Carter-Vickers utilised Celtic influence to help nation to famous win in Qatar.
On a regular basis, Carter-Vickers is used to playing against teams who are set up in a defensive formation, home or away in the Scottish Premiership.
So it looks to be a fantastic call from Gregg Berhalter to introduce the former Tottenham Hotspur man after his 18 months of experience and doing his job to an extremely high level.
The Celtic defender certainly didn’t disappoint for his nation, putting in a performance that the Parkhead faithful have come to expect from our vice-captain.
He utilised his experience with Celtic perfectly and did his job at the back, keeping Iran out and helping the USA to a famous victory at the World Cup.
Saturday’s last 16 knockout tie against Holland will prove to be a different proposition for Berhalter and his side, who will be facing up against some top-class attacking talent.
However, after putting in a mammoth performance on Tuesday, it would come as no surprise to see Carter-Vickers keep his place in the starting line-up this weekend.
In other news, Celtic announce Pittodrie ticket allocation for return of Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys.