ANGE POSTECOGLOU has failed to rule out the possibility that his international stars could be available for selection for next week’s derby, although it would be a hard challenge.
Currently, Daizen Maeda and Tom Rogic are on international duty with their countries, both having already played Postecoglou will be keeping an eye on their games Tuesday.
Japan plays in the morning with Australia due to play later in the day.
Speaking on the possibility, as quoted by the Daily Record, Postecoglou remarked;
“I think they both play the day before. If they both play, you are not going to play two games in 48 hours, or 24 hours.
“It’s unlikely. On a manager’s salary, I don’t have a private jet that might be able to get them here. A lot of that will depend on whether they have played.
“I expect Tommy will play most definitely because Australia have a big game. Daizen played on Thursday, so a lot will depend on them playing.
“It’s a possibility, but if they have played the night before, even if we can get them here on time, it’s still hard.”
If the players are involved in their country’s World Cup qualifiers it is safe to assume they will not be available the following day. Time is on Celtic’s side, especially with Maeda.
With the nighttime derby kick-off, it gives extra time for stars to travel back to Scotland. Getting the player’s home is the major challenge. Maeda is set to be with his squad who play their match in Japan and Tom Rogic is set to play in Oman, both of these are long-haul flights.
