Steve Clarke 'disappointed' at Celtic not releasing players for Scotland friendly

Ange Postecoglou's side will instead head to Australia for the Sydney Super Cup

Published 9th Nov 2022

Steve Clarke has expressed his disappointment at Celtic not releasing their players for Scotland's friendly against Turkey next week.

Ange Postecoglou's players will instead travel to Australia to take part in the Sydney Super Cup.

Callum McGregor would not have been involved through injury, but Greg Taylor, David Turnbull and Anthony Ralston have been in recent squads.

Clubs are normally obligated to release their players for international breaks.

However, FIFA do not recognise next week as an official international window, so domestic sides can stop their players from travelling.

Everton have allowed Nathan Patterson to join up despite also being involved in the Sydney Super Cup.

Clarke said: “The base line is that it’s not an official international window. I don’t know why because there’s a World Cup going on and that sounds pretty official to me.

“That’s what it is. Clubs don’t have to release their players and Celtic have chosen not to release theirs for this game.

“I have to say I’m disappointed by that decision but we have to take it on the chin.

“It’s a chance for someone else.”