Get the latest Celtic news delivered straight to your inbox with our newsletter
We have newsletters
Get the latest Celtic news delivered straight to your inbox with our newsletter
We have newsletters
Celtic winger Marco Tilio, with fewer points, won a surprise wildcard from Australia for their Asian Cup en route to Qatar.
Tilio has earned a chance with Socceroos boss Graham Arnold admitting the small striker would have made the cut without the expanded 26-man squad in Qatar. The former Melbourne City star has been plagued by injuries and his contributions in green and white have been fleeting with just two substitute appearances under his belt.
But now the 22-year-old has the chance to breathe new life into his career at club and country. He’ll be part of the team along with a host of familiar faces, including Hearts duo Kye Rowles and Nathaniel Atkinson, joining Hibs hero Martin. Boyle and Keanu Baccus on the plane to the Middle East.
And Tilio’s versatility has been named as a reason why he’s in the mix for his country and with a shot of turning Celtic heads while away. Arnold said: “I think I can be honest and say if (the squad size) stayed at 23 there is probably a good chance Marco wouldn’t have come.
“But expanding it to 26 allows us to absolutely have others who can play on the left wing, on the right wing, at number ten and (a) primary tournament experience. “