Marco Tilio takes a big step forward after Celtic concerns

Marco Tilio has provided Brendan Rodgers with a promising boost on the fitness front by starting for the Australia under-23 national team.

Tilio played 60 minutes for the Olyroos against Saudi Arabia, marking the first time he has started a game at first-team level since the A-League Final in June.

The Celtic winger was recently linked with a loan move in January. This comes after struggles to make a matchday squad for the Celtic first-team since joining the club in June from Melbourne City for a reported £1.5 million.

Undoubtedly, fitness and injury issues have plagued Tilio’s time at Celtic thus far, but his start for the Olyroos can only be seen as a positive for Celtic amidst an injury crisis, with Daizen Maeda, Liel Abada, and Reo Hatate all currently on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.

Tilio joined Celtic with a stellar record in Australia, winning three consecutive A-League Premierships and the A-League Championship in 2020-21. The Australian under-23 international also made significant contributions, being directly involved in 16 goals last season in the A-League with 10 goals and six assists.

Despite rumours of a potential loan move in January, Tilio now has the chance to earn a spot in the Celtic matchday squad during a busy time of the season, amidst the hectic festive fixture schedule.

Rodgers will have to utilise his entire squad to manage fitness and fatigue, giving Tilio a great opportunity to work his way into squads.

In what has been a frustrating five months at Celtic, Tilio now looks ready to give Rodgers another option out wide.

With Luis Palma and Hyunjun Yang starring against Aberdeen, the Australian has tough competition for a spot. This period will be telling about his ability to play for Celtic, as he is now nearing full fitness and starting games for his national team at under-23 level.

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Celtic scout defender Sam Curtis as Premier League clubs show interest; January exit likely

 

Celtic have been linked with a move for St Patrick’s Athletic defender Sam Curtis.As reported by 90min, Celtic have recently scouted the right-back with Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur from the English Premier League also showing significant interest.

 

It’s said that the Republic of Ireland U21 international is likely to leave his club in January with the Irish season now finished and not resuming until February.

Sam Curtis showing excellent potential

Curtis joined St. Patrick’s in July 2021 from Shamrock Rovers, making his League of Ireland debut at only 15 years old a month later.

The Irish defender was recently included in the PFAI Premier Division Team of the Year, despite being only 17 years old, showcasing his potential.

Curtis has made 34 appearances in the Premier Division this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. He has played 24 games at right back and 10 at centre back, highlighting his versatility, a valuable trait in recruiting from the League of Ireland. Liam Scales similarly played centre-back and left-back for Shamrock Rovers before joining Celtic in 2021.

Curtis would certainly be a signing for the future, with Alistair Johnston currently occupying the right-back slot in the starting 11 and Anthony Ralston also recently signing a new deaL.

However, as Curtis’ fellow countryman Liam Scales has shown this season, if you put in the hard work, no matter who is ahead of you in the first team, you will get your opportunity.

Despite facing stiff competition for Curtis’ signing, Celtic could have a pull factor with the Irish connection. He’s also more likely to break into the first team at the Bhoys before getting a shot in the senior set-up at a Man City or Spurs.

In other news, Key Celtic duo won’t return to training until Friday with Motherwell test looming.

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