Former Celtic trialist Stipe Pletikosa is set to be in goals for Croatia in their Euro 2012 opener against Ireland on June 10.
The 33-year-old played for Celtic against Cardiff and Wolves last July but wasn’t offered a deal as Neil Lennon pursued Fraser Forster as his first choice keeper.
Pletikosa eventually returned to the Russian League to join Rostov having previously spent four seasons as first choice keeper at Spartak Moscow. In-between times he spent a season on loan at Spurs without making a top team appearance.
Despite the turmoil in his club career Pletikosa remained first choice keeper for Croatia throughout their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with Slaven Bilic’s side beat Turkey in a play-off after finishing runners up to Greece in Group F.
Pletikosa kept two clean sheets in his Celtic appearances but was barely tested by Cardiff or Wolves.
After leaving Celtic the keeper said: “I really wanted to play for Celtic, but I think now it was a big mistake that I agreed to stay more than three days and played two games.
“I broke my contract with Spartak Moscow because I felt it would help me play for Celtic but now I have to find a club elsewhere.
“I felt I deserved to get a contract. I’m sure I would have been a very good goalkeeper for Celtic.”
Bilic has announced that he will step down as Croatian manager after Euro 2012 and is likely to be in demand in England.
The Croatian squad has a number of past and present Premiership players including Luka Modric, Niko Krankjcar, Nikica Jelavic and former Arsenal striker Eduardo.
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bilic has already agreed to take over at locomotiv moscow.
Really? Gawd! It must be for the cash!!