Celtic will take a break of a few weeks to reflect as March’s foreign friendlies take place later this month.
For some, it will be an opportunity to live a moment in an environment of choice, under the pressure of our ongoing pursuit of a national double.
On the other hand, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate will be on the Scottish coast to finalise their recovery.
Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston are represented in Steve Clarke’s squad and have the chance to claim a place at EURO 2024 in Tartan Army’s upcoming matches against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland.
Further afield, Hyeongyu Oh and Hyunjun Yang unfortunately ran out of variety in South Korea’s doubleheader against Thailand in World Cup qualifying.
Interim coach Hwang Sun-hong has bucked the trend set by Jurgen Klinsmann, who signed both players during his time with the Taeguek Warriors.
However, Yang may get the chance to play for his U-23 team at the West Asian Football Confederation (WAFF) U-23 Championship in Saudi Arabia.
Celtic striker Adam Idah, Liam Scales and loanee Mikey Johnston have been chosen by Republic of Ireland interim manager John O’Shea for friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.
First, the Boys in Green will face Belgium at the Aviva Stadium on March 23, and then Switzerland in Dublin the following Tuesday.
MNT SQUAD ANNOUNCED ??John O’Shea names 26-man team to ??
Since arriving from Norwich City in January, Idah has added another size to Brendan Rodgers’ attack, registering five goals and lending a hand in his first 8 appearances [Transfermarkt].
In the same way, Johnston managed to get away from the pressures of Parkhead’s life, scoring six times in his successful spell at West Bromwich Albion.
Many Celtic enthusiasts come from the Emerald Isle to stay with the Bhoys home and away, and will be keen to see how all three players fare as the Republic of Ireland aim to start 2024 on a positive footing.
Rocco Vata and Bosun Lawal have also been in the Ireland Under-21 squad for the UEFA EURO Under-21 qualifier against San Marino next Friday.