International round-up: How Celtic players performed

Several Celtic players have been away on international duty over the last week and a bit.

They were in action all across the world, from Europe and Asia to both North and South America.

Let's see how they got on...

Daizen Maeda

The 25-year-old travelled to take part in Japan's two friendlies against Uruguay and Colombia off the back of struggling with an injury.

And it ended up being his undoing as he was an unused sub during the 1-1 draw with Uruguay before withdrawing from the squad completely before the second fixture.

Alistair Johnston

Canadian right-back Johnston last featured for his country at the World Cup in Qatar, where they finished bottom of a group containing Belgium, Croatia and Morocco.

He was not in the squad due to a suspension for the CONCACAF Nations League game match away to Curacao in which his side won 2-0.

However, the 23-year-old played the full 90 against Honduras in the second match of the break as Canada ran out 4-1 winners.

He did not pick up a goal or assist during the match.

Callum McGregor

The Hoops captain played the full match against Cyprus as Steve Clarke's side ran out 3-0 winners during the first match of their Euro 2024 qualifying group.

While he did not score or provide an assist, the midfielder received the player of the match award for his efforts.

McGregor also featured for the entire match against Spain as Scotland recorded a famous 2-0 win over the former world champions.

He was phenomenal in the middle of the park as Clarke's team made it two wins from two.

READ MORE: Every Celtic player's season so far ranked and rated

Anthony Ralston

A late call-up, Ralston was not in the original squad named by Clarke but was given the nod after Jack Hendry pulled out through injury.

It was, however, a shortlived camp for Ralston after he picked up a knock in training. He did not feature against Cyprus and then withdrew from the group.

Mikey Johnston

The Celtic loanee sparkled during his Ireland debut as he played 28 minutes in a friendly against Latvia and was involved in the build-up to Chiedozie Ogbene's winning goal in a 3-2 victory.

Johnston also came up against recent World Cup finalists France as Stephen Kenny's side kicked off Euro 2024 qualifying. He only had a small cameo, playing just 14 minutes in the 1-0 defeat at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Carl Starfelt

Centre-back Starfelt was in the Sweden squad for the Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Belgium and Azerbaijan.

However, he was an unused substitute in both matches as his side went down 3-0 to the Red Devils before winning 5-0 against Azerbaijan.

Oh Hyeon-gyu

It was an eventful international break for the striker despite South Korea not being in competitive action.

Oh picked up his second cap during his side's 2-2 draw with Colombia and played for 31 minutes.

He was not able to record a goal or assist in the match but, a few days later, he came off the bench again against Uruguay and thought he had netted for his country.

It was a thunderous strike by the Celtic forward but, unfortunately, it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. 

While the 21-year-old did not technically score or assist in this match either, he definitely made an impression during his 21 minutes on the pitch.

Sead Haksabanovic

The Montenegrin played the first 45 minutes of his country's 3-0 win away to Bulgaria in Euro 2024 qualifying.

There was some concern he may be carrying a knock after being subbed at half-time.

However, the 23-year-old dispelled any fears of an injury against Serbia in the second group-stage match when he played 77 minutes of the 2-0 defeat inflicted by a late double from Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

READ MORE: Why Celtic legend Henrik Larsson trumped even Giggs and Laudrup

Conor Hazard

The Northern Irishman is yet to make a competitive appearance under Ange Postecoglou.

However, his status rose after a successful loan spell last year at Finnish champions HJK Helsinki.

This led to him being called up by Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill for the games against San Marino (which they won 2-0) and also the 1-0 defeat at home to Finland.

Hazard was an unused sub for both fixtures.

Liel Abada

Abada picked up an injury during training and was not involved in Israel's 1-1 draw against Kosovo in their Euro 2024 qualifying opener.

He ultimately had to withdraw from international duty and also missed his country's 3-0 defeat against Switzerland.

This piece is an extract from the latest Celtic Digest newsletter, which is emailed out every weekday evening with a round-up of the day's top stories and exclusive analysis from The Celtic Way team. 

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