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.