Ange Postecoglou quickly shut down any suggestion that there might be some double standards involved in next week’s international.
On Tuesday night the Celtic boss announced that none of his players would be in the Scotland squad for a friendly away to Turkey with Celtic taking on two friendly matches in Australia.
Clubs are obliged to release players for international matches involving countries heading to the World Cup Finals but with Scotland watching the Qatar action on telly clubs aren’t obliged to release players.
Celtic’s stance covers all of their players, effecting Israel, Greece, Sweden and others but on Thursday Sead Haksabanovic was named in the Montenegro for two matches.
The suggestion that Celtic might be looking favourably on Montenegro ahead of Scotland wasn’t being entertained by Postecoglou.
10 minutes
There’s no situation. Everyone who isn’t going to the World Cup is going to Australia with us. It’s not an issue. I know people are trying to make it an issue but it’s not an issue.
It’s not a designated international window. FIFA have allowed clubs to make their own decisions and we’ve made our decision as a club. I don’t need to discuss it with anyone.
That’s the decision that’s been made. Anyone who is not going to the World Cup will be with us in Australia.
Scotland play Turkey on November 16, the following day Celtic take on Sydney FC followed by Everton on November 20.