In a notable development for both Celtic and Australian football, 21-year-old Marco Tilio marked his return to the pitch on the international stage, despite not having played for Celtic since his transfer in the summer.
The young Australian talent, who joined Celtic in June with a five-year contract from Melbourne City for £1.5 million, has been navigating through injury troubles that have kept him sidelined during his time under manager Brendan Rodgers.
While Tilio did make an appearance for Celtic’s B team in September, his ongoing fitness issues have largely prevented him from being a regular part of the playing squad. His absence from Celtic’s lineup has been a point of discussion, especially considering the expectations that came with his signing.
However, Tilio’s return to action came in an international fixture for Australia’s Under-23 team, known as the Olyroos, in their match against Qatar. He played the final nine minutes plus additional stoppage time, contributing to the Olyroos’ 2-1 victory.
This appearance marks a significant step in Tilio’s recovery, as noted by Football Australia’s tweet celebrating his return after being out since July due to injury.
Despite this positive development, Brendan Rodgers has repeatedly expressed concerns about Tilio’s fitness levels, which are not yet up to the standards required for inclusion in Celtic’s main squad.
The Australian forward has reportedly struggled with the intensity of Celtic’s training sessions, highlighting the challenges he faces in adapting to the demands of top-tier European football.
As Tilio works towards full fitness and a potential debut with Celtic, his progress will be closely watched by fans, with hopes that he can overcome his early setbacks to make a significant impact at the club.
