Celtic are in the midst of the international break just now, where Brendan Rodgers will be enjoying some well-deserved rest ahead of the season run-in.
Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers are some of the names to have stayed at Lennoxtown this time around; however, there have also been a few Bhoys who have made an impact for their respective nations.
Daizen Maeda was in action for Japan against North Korea earlier this week, playing the entire 90 minutes as the Samurai Blue recorded a 1-0 win to claim nine points from three matches in their World Cup Second Round qualification group.
Anthony Ralston also got some minutes for Scotland during what turned out to be a disappointing 4-0 friendly loss away to the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
Congratulations are in order for Canada right-back Alistair Johnston after the Celtic favourite helped his nation qualify for the 2024 edition of the Copa America.
Johnston featured for the entire match, as interim boss Mauro Biello helped Les Rouges record a 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in the CONCACAF Nations League final round courtesy of goals from Cyle Larin and Jacob Shaffelburg.
This summer, the 25-year-old will open the tournament against the might of Argentina and Lionel Messi. Peru and Chile are their other Group A opponents for a place in the final eight of the competition.
Celtic’s Alistair Johnston takes to Instagram after Canada triumph
Canada have qualified for Copa America for the first time in their history, and it is sure to be an occasion that Johnston and his teammates look to savour.
Taking to Instagram, the former CF Montreal man has made it known where his plans for the summer now lie, writing a simple statement which reads ‘Summer plans are booked … Copa America’ (followed by a soon emoji).
Although he probably won’t get a holiday until later in the year, Johnston will relish competing against some of the world’s elite in the United States.
There has been controversy surrounding the fact that the Copa America is being hosted Stateside, given that the US aren’t actually a member of the CONMEBOL federation.
Nevertheless, we will have representation there in the form of Johnston and Carter-Vickers, which is bound to generate interest among the Celtic support.