Two Celts progress to CONCACAF Nations League Quarter-Finals | OneFootball

Two Celtic stars have progressed to the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals whilst on international duty…

Alistair Johnston played 64 minutes in Canada’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over South American minnows Suriname in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Jesse Marsch’s side had brought back a one goal lead following a professional performance in Paramaribo on Friday evening. Celtic’s right-back made his landmark 50th appearance for his country in Canada’s away victory.

The 26 year-old defender will most likely be in the backline for Canda’s Nations League semi-final clash with Mexico in four months time.

Meanwhile, Auston Trusty was an unused substitute in USA’s comfortable 4-2 win versus Jamaica in the Nations League last eight.

Trusty has cemented his place as a regular in Celtic’s first team of late but Mauricio Pochettino at national team level has opted to play experienced centre-backs Mark McKenzie and Tim Ream ahead of him.

Auston Trusty at Rugby Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star.

The 6ft3 American who arrived from Sheffield United in the summer featured as a late substitute in the first leg between Jamaica and America.

Therefore, two of the Hoops’ backline will compete for a place in the CONCACAF Nations League final in March. USA will face Panama, whilst Johnston competes in the other semi-final.

Disappointingly, Luis Palma missed out on a place of joining his fellow teammates in the prestigious last four of the competition. Despite taking a healthy two goal lead to Mexico via the Celtic winger’s stunning double in Tegucigalpa last week, Honduras were thrashed 4-0 as Javier Aguirre’s men sought revenge on Tuesday night.

Honduras 2-0 Mexico Luis Palma celebrates his goal 2-0 of Honduras during the Quarterfinals first leg match between Honduras and Mexico as part of the Concacaf Nations League 2024-2025 at Francisco Morazan Stadium on November 15, 2024 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Photo Adrian Macias, IMAGO (The Celtic Star)

Indeed, Palma was substituted at half-time when Honduras were 1-0 down. Slightly harsh given that the 24 year-old was his countries hero and biggest attacking threat in the first leg.

Given the vast amount of travelling all three have clocked up in the past 10 days, it will be interesting to see how boss Brendan Rodgers manages the situation ahead of a massive league fixture with Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday evening.

Conor Spence

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