international duty

Schmeichel and Ralston Make Triumphant Return to Celtic – But How Did Every Hoops Globetrotter Fare?

20/11/2024 Raymond 0

As Celtic prepare for their crucial Premiership clash against Hearts at Tynecastle, manager Brendan Rodgers will be anxiously awaiting the return of his star players, many of whom have been involved in international duty across the globe. Thirteen Hoops players have represented their countries over the past fortnight, with some enjoying standout performances while others faced challenges.

Kasper Schmeichel was instrumental in Denmark’s Nations League qualification, making key saves in a goalless draw against Serbia. Anthony Ralston impressed for Scotland in their victories over Croatia and Poland, earning rave reviews for his performances. Meanwhile, Alistair Johnston marked a milestone with Canada, earning his 50th cap in their 1-0 win over Suriname.

Other notable performances included Paulo Bernardo’s goal in Portugal’s U21 win over Slovakia and Daizen Maeda’s cameo appearances in Japan’s victories. Luis Palma shone for Honduras, scoring twice in their 2-0 win over Mexico. With several players returning from long-haul trips, Rodgers will be hoping they all come back fit and ready to face Hearts in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

Super Eagles Squad Unveiled at the Eleventh Hour: Is Late Announcement the New Norm?

07/10/2024 Raymond 0

The recent trend of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) media unit announcing squad selections only two days before the opening of camp is becoming increasingly familiar. What was once considered an irregularity is now being viewed as the new norm in Nigerian football, prompting concerns about its long-term implications for the management of the sport and its overall performance. Interestingly, local media reports indicate that the players selected for the upcoming matches have already received itineraries for their arrival at the camp. This information has not reached the broader Nigerian football community, where there is a prevailing belief that the NFF should adopt practices similar to other teams globally, who released their squad lists last week and provided opportunities for press conferences to discuss player selections and omissions.

For players, the ramifications of delayed squad announcements extend beyond mere inconvenience. Many Super Eagles stars compete in Europe, where they follow rigorous training regimens. Early notification of their inclusion in the national team enables them to prepare both mentally and physically for the shift from club responsibilities to international duties. When announcements come at the last minute, players are left racing against time to arrange travel and adjust to new expectations under a different manager or tactical approach. Moreover, these last-minute announcements can strain relationships between players and their clubs, as many European teams are already reluctant to release players for international duty, especially given the long-distance travel involved.