Scotland manager Steve Clarke has spoken about his disappointment after it was revealed that Celtic would not release their players for the friendly against Turkey.
Having not qualified for the World Cup in Qatar, Scotland will travel to the Diyarbakir Stadium to take on Turkey in preparation for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
Clarke’s men have been drawn in a group to face Spain, Norway, Georgia and Cyprus but will be without the likes of Greg Taylor, Anthony Ralston, David Turnbull and the injured Callum McGregor who are all regular features in the squad.
The decision had been made by Ange Postecoglou not to release players for this friendly tie as the Bhoys head down under to compete in the Sydney Super Cup where they will take on Everton as well as Sydney FC in a tournament dubbed as Ange Postecoglou’s ‘homecoming.’
Celtic will be looking to take the tournament as seriously as possible with Postecoglou looking to continually play a strong team to keep rhythm before travelling to the other winter camp in Portugal.
Both managers obviously see the fixtures as important but having been in charge of the Socceroos, Postecoglou believes it’s best if the Celtic contingent stay with the squad with Aussies already having bought their tickets to see both games.
Scotland boss Clarke hit back and gave his thoughts on the situation.
“The baseline is it’s not an official international window, I don’t why because there’s a World Cup going on – that sounds pretty official to me,” said Steve Clarke speaking to Clyde 1.Â
“That’s what it is and the clubs don’t have to release their players and Celtic have chosen not to release their players for this game.
“I have to say I’m disappointed with that decision but we have to take it on the chin and it’s a chance for someone else.
“It was just a blanket decision, Celtic have said that none of their players are available for any international games so all the countries are effected.”
This news indicates that Celtic will be almost at full strength for both matches in AUS which is an exciting prospect for those lucky enough to be getting along to see the Hoops.
Can see both points but ultimately its the club who pay their wages and this is an excellent rare opportunity for some serious midseason training and team bonding
Well done Celtic, no favours for the sfa as they do us none