In somewhat unexpected news, Celtic attacker Marco Tilio was last night confirmed to be going to the 2023 Asian Cup with his country. The winger has barely played for the Hoops this season but has been named in Graham Arnold’s 26-man squad.
His inclusion comes as a surprise to many, but his international manager cited the extended number of players allowed in squads as a key factor in his call-up: “I think I can be honest and say if (the squad size) stayed at 23 there is probably a good chance Marco wouldn’t have come”, he said (KeepUp). “But extended to 26 enables us to have someone completely different who can play left wing, right wing, number ten and (has) the experience of major tournaments.”
In the past, Tilio has played at the Olympics for his country. He also went to Qatar with the Socceroos for last year’s World Cup and was included in the squad that got to the last 16, but was knocked out by eventual winners Argentina.
At the upcoming Asian Cup, the 22-year-old will want to add to his seven caps. Considering his lack of game time for Celtic this season, though, one assumes he won’t be match-sharp.
Tilio has made just two appearances in green and white since moving to Glasgow in the summer, but Arnold believes inclusion in the Asian Cup squad could aid his club situation massively. He said (KeepUp): “I do believe this can help his Celtic career.”
Brendan Rodgers will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the progress of his players at the upcoming tournament in the Middle East. Tilio may not play as much as his Japanese counterparts Kyogo and Daizen Maeda, but making the team in first place is a notable achievement going by his club minutes this campaign.
