Celtic hired a private jet to ensure that Vasilis Barkas was back in Scotland sharply after international duty.
The prospect of an air traffic strike in Greece pushed the hoops into action with a jet bringing the keeper back to Scotland last night after the international against Kosovo.
Barkas watched last night’s 0-0 draw from the bench but after his late night flight he’ll be in top condition for training tomorrow as Neil Lennon finally gets around to shaping his side for Saturday’s derby match.
The Sun reports:
Celtic’s new £5million keeper has been on international duty this week and was an unused sub as Greece drew 0-0 with Kosovo in a Nations League clash.
The Hoops have already been decimated for the crunch game with Ryan Christie, Hatem Elhamed and Nir Bitton all definitely out after setbacks with star striker Odsonne Edouard a major doubt.
And Celtic were left alarmed after a strike was called by Greece’s main public sector union ADEDY, which is expected to see flights cancelled for two days.
That was enough to persuade to Celtic fork out for a private jet to pick up Barkas from Athens immediately after the game on Wednesday night and return him to Scotland to make sure there was no prospect of a nightmare race against time to get him back to Glasgow for the game.
Celtic were joined by Fenerbahce, who also hired a private jet to get their player – Dimitris Pelkas – back to Turkey for their weekend fixtures, according to reports in the country.
Barkas was Celtic’s first signing of the transfer window following the departures of Fraser Forster and Craig Gordon during the close season.
Since making his debut away to Kilmarnock the 26-year-old has been an ever present in the Celtic side with Scott Bain as back-up. Barkas played last week in the 2-1 win away to Kosovo but was on the bench for the two other international matches.
