Celtic send strong squad
New Celtic FC Manager, Tony Mowbray has delivered on his promise to send the strongest squad possible to Australia for the “friendly” against the Brisbane Roar on 12 July.
Barring injuries to two players and another who has subsequently transferred to a European club, the players coming to Australia form the core group that recently went within a whisker of winning yet another Scottish Premier League title.
The squad contains many players with international experience. Countries represented include Australia, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Poland, Greece, Germany and Japan.
Heading the list is Qantas Socceroos striker, Scott McDonald (10 caps) who was part of Australia-s recent successful campaign to qualify for next year-s World Cup.
Poland-s national goalkeepers, Artur Boruc and Lukasz Zaluska with 41 and 2 caps respectively have been named along with Germany-s Andreas Hinkel (19 caps), Greece-s Gergios Samaras (19 caps) and Japan-s Koki Mizuno (4 caps).
As expected, Scottish internationals feature prominently with Gary Caldwell (32 caps), Shaun Maloney (14 caps) and Barry Robson (2 caps) while the Republic of Ireland-s Aiden McGready (28 caps) is sure to be a drawcard.
Upon his confirmation as the new Manager, Mowbray said Celtic would be using the game against the Roar to give him a good look at his squad prior to the commencement of the UEFA qualifying finals. He only has this game and two other trials back home to prepare his squad for the first of the European qualifiers on 28 July.
The Official Ambassador for the Roar v Celtic game, Willie Wallace, commended club officials for sending the strongest squad possible to Brisbane.
Wallace, who created history as a member of the famous Celtic team that won the European Cup in 1967, said local fans would be treated to an entertaining and open game of football.
“Everyone will be keen to impress Tony (Mowbray). Reputations will count for nothing, and they will all start with a clean slate.
“This is the first time in about 30 years that Celtic has visited Australia and I know everyone associated with the Club is keen to reward their many fans in this part of the world.
“I am looking forward to a great game of football in front of a very vocal and friendly crowd at Suncorp Stadium,” Mr Wallace said.
The full touring squad is: Artur Boruc, Lukasz Zaluska, Darren O'Dea, Lee Naylor, Glenn Loovens, Gary Caldwell, Andreas Hinkel, Barry Robson, Paddy McCourt, Koki Mizuno, Marc Crosas, Willo Flood, Scott McDonald, Shaun Maloney, Aiden McGready, Georgios Samaras, Ben Hutchinson, Cillian Sheriden