Two Celtic defenders will be on the plane to next month’s World Cup after Steve Clarke announced his 26-man Scotland squad.
It will be the nation’s first appearance at the tournament since 1998, meaning a whole generation will experience it for the first time.
Scotland face Haiti in their group opener on June 14, then tests against Morocco (June 19) and five-time winners Brazil (June 24) await.
There was talk of a possible call-up for Celtic’s most decorated player of all time, James Forrest, given the lack of wing options in recent national squads, but unfortunately for him, he was left out.
Celtic’s Stephen Welsh, who spent this season on loan at Motherwell, received widespread praise for his form this season and was tipped to be included. He is, however, another who missed the cut.
The two Hoops players who have been included are Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston. The pair have regularly featured in Clarke’s squads and have tournament experience. Now, they will embark on the World Cup.
Tierney returned to Celtic last summer and played an intregral part in securing the league title on that dramatic final day against Hearts. He has made 52 appearances in all competitions and shown exactly why his seat on the plane is deserving, given he is one of Scotland’s standout performers.
Ralston had to settle for a place on the bench against Hearts, but has featured 35 times for the club during this campaign.
While both players have North America to look forward to, they have the opportunity to sign off their domestic season on a high this weekend.
The Scottish Cup final showdown against Dunfermline at Hampden awaits, allowing the Hoops the chance to sign a chaotic campaign off with a league and cup double in what could be Martin O’Neill’s final match in charge.
