Six Celtic players are about to embark on a massive summer of football off the back of their double success at the Bhoys.
While Matt O’Riley may have missed out on Denmark duty and the club’s Japanese contingent have only had friendlies to contend with, it’s a different story for other Celtic stars on both sides of the Atlantic.
The EURO 2024 tournament will undoubtedly be the headline football news for the next month when it kicks off tonight with a Germany vs Scotland clash. The competition will continue until July 14th, concluding with a final in Berlin.
Meanwhile, the United States is hosting this year’s Copa America. That one runs from June 20th to another final on July 14th. Including countries from North and South America, that spectacle will only add to the festival of football about to unfold.
In total six Celtic heroes have made it into squads for the tournaments. Here is a look at all the details and how you can keep up with their progress.
Callum McGregor, Anthony Ralston, James Forrest, Greg Taylor – Scotland
- Friday June 14: Germany vs Scotland – Allianz Arena, Munich – kick-off 8pm UK time, ITV
- Wednesday June 19: Scotland vs Switzerland – RheineEnergieStadion, Frankfurt – kick-off 8pm UK time, BBC
- Sunday June 23: Scotland vs Hungary – MLP Arena, Stuttgart – kick-off 8pm UK time, BBC
Both Callum McGregor and Anthony Ralston have a good shot of featuring as starters in Scotland’s matches as the nation looks to qualify for the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time in their history.
Greg Taylor is a viable substitute option for Andy Robertson while James Forrest may even be utilised if Scotland are looking for more in attack.
Scotland’s ambitions may not be up there with the French, English or Germans but they’ll be looking to utilise their punchy underdog status and pick up some positive results.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – United States
- Sunday June 23: United States vs Bolivia – AT&T Stadium, Arlington – kick-off 11pm UK time, Premier Sports
- Thursday June 27: Panama vs United States – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – kick-off 11pm UK time, Premier Sports
- Monday July 1: United States vs Uruguay – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City – kick-off 2am UK time (Monday night), Premier Sports
Cameron Carter-Vickers had injury issues at Celtic in the early stages of last season but rallied to find consistent form and become an integral part of winning the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.
As hosts, the United States will be desperate to get out of their group and go deep into this tournament. That would deliver a statement – especially ahead of also jointly hosting the World Cup in two years.
Carter-Vickers hasn’t quite established himself as a regular starter for his country but will be a depth option and could end up playing significant minutes as the competition progresses.
Alistair Johnston – Canada
- Thursday June 20: Argentina vs Canada – Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta – kick-off 1am UK time (Thursday night), Premier Sports
- Tuesday June 25: Peru vs Canada – Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City – kick-off 11pm UK time, Premier Sports
- Saturday June 29: Canada vs Chile – Inter&Co Stadium, Miami – kick-off 1am UK time (Saturday night), Premier Sports
Alistair Johnston played 42 times for Celtic during the 2023/24 season, a linchpin of Brendan Rodgers’ starting eleven.
He’s an important leader with the Canada dressing room too and is firmly established in their best team as they embark on a new journey under Jesse Marsch.
The opener against Lionel Messi’s Argentina is as tough as it gets but the Canadians will relish the chance to take on the best at this tournament and make it out of a competitive group.