Celtic are looking to get back to business with a bang this weekend with a blockbuster Premiership clash against Hearts at Tynecastle.
But Brendan Rodgers will be hoping all of his globetrotting stars all return in one piece – with several in action all over the planet in the past fortnight. Celtic have plenty of players involved closer to home, but numerous are facing long-haul treks to race back in time for the Jambos showdown. In total, 13 stars were on their travels with their countries and to varying degrees of action and success. Record Sport looks at how the Hoops have fared on their travels with some enjoying the international break more than others…
Kasper Schmeichel
The big keeper had a stormer to help Denmark secure their place in the last eight of the Nations League with their goalless draw with Serbia. The 37-year-old survived an early injury scare to put up the shutters, with several top class saves to seal the deal.
Boss Brian Riemer said: “Kasper produced a a great performance. He is a hugely important player for this team. He has a lot of experience in these kinds of games, and he took responsibility in the dressing room and on the pitch on a day when we had a lot of new faces.”
Anthony Ralston
The full back played a huge part in both of Scotland’s crucial wins against Croatia and Poland – and got rave reviews. Incredibly, the defender has now played more minutes for the national side this season than he has for Celtic.
But there’s a good chance Ralston will get the nod from Brendan Rodgers at Tynecastle this weekend, with right back rival Alistair Johnston in action for Canada in the early hours of Wednesday morning before facing a dash back. Ralston even got praise from Rangers hero Barry Ferguson, as the Record Sport columnist said: “Every time he’s been called upon, I think he’s done a fine job. I think he’s one of those players that managers love.”
Alistair Johnston
The full back was involved in Canada’s 1-0 win against Suriname in the Concacaf Nations League clash on Friday. The 26-year-old played in a slightly different position on the right side of a back three on a milestone night where he picked up his 50th cap.
The Canucks took a lead back to Toronto for last night’s second leg, and he was hoping to come through unscathed before making the long distance trek back to Scotland for the weekend.
Greg Taylor
The left back was on Scotland duty over the international break but was an unused sub in both games. Something Rodgers might not be too upset about if he returns in one piece.
Auston Trusty
The centre back came on for USA as a sub in the final few minutes of their Concacaf Nations League 1-0 win against Steve McLaren’s Jamaica on Friday. But the £6m summer signing remained on the bench as the American’s finished off the tie with a 4-2 second leg victory.
Liam Scales
The Republic of Ireland defender was sensational against England in the first half at Wembley to build on another impressive display in the win over Finland.
Harry Kane never got a sniff, but he hung out a toe and tripped Jude Bellingham to get his with a double whammy with his red card to go along with the spot kick. It was a sore one as England took the lead and the roof fell in with a 5-0 win for the Three Lions.
Paulo Bernardo
The Portugal under 21s captain was in top form again for his national side, scoring in the 3-1 win against Slovakia. Bernardo has a habit of nothing for the 21s, with nine goals in 27 games at that level. The 22-year-old is bang in the frame for a start in Gorgie.
Arne Engles
The midfielder had a mixed bag for Belgium. Engels received plenty of plaudits for his display in the narrow 1-0 defeat to Italy in the Nations League in his first start for his country. He stayed in the team but wasn’t spared as the Red Devils got slaughtered for going down to Israel.
Engels won over the Belgian media in his first outing though, getting praise for his tireless display, with the 22-year-old admitting he was hoping to make a name for himself in his homeland.
Daizen Maeda
Came off the bench in Japan’s 4-0 win against Indonesia and 3-1 victory in China. Maeda played the full second half of the first game before making a late arrival from the bench in the second match. Japanese fans were more shocked to see the wide man with hair – having grown out his barnet since his last call up.
Reo Hatate
Was given a few minutes towards the end of the Indonesia stroll but was an unused sub in China. He will be a key man for Tynecastle and, heck, the rest of the season.
Luis Palma
The winger is hero worshipped in Honduras and he wowed fans with a double in the 2-0 Nations League win against Mexico. Palma admitted it’s been a tough season, both personally and at club level, with his beloved grandmother passing away recently while he’s struggled for game time with the Hoops. Palma was gearing up for the Mexico return match at the Azteca on Wednesday night.
Kyogo
The frontman made his long awaited return to the Japan side after 13 months on the sidelines. Kyogo failed to get off the bench in the first match against Indonesia but did come on for the final 13 minutes in the victory against China.
There’s been frustration at international level but the Hoops hero has told his homeland he is still striving to improve. He said: “I don’t think this is the best I can do. So I want to keep working hard to improve and grow as a player even as I get older.”
Viljami Sinisalo
Part of the Finland squad that went down to Ireland and Dublin but was released to return to Celtic before their clash with Greece.