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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Celtic outcast hopes recent fine form can earn him first Argentina call up

Forgotten on-loan Celtic full back Alexandro Bernabei admits it would be a dream if he earned a stunning first call-up for World Cup holders Argentina.

The left back has resurrected his career on loan at Brazilian club Internacional after being frozen out at Parkhead. He has been praised for being one of the best defenders in their country and has helped the Porto Alegre club reach fifth place in their Serie A league.

It was even reported in South America last week that Celtic were asking for a fee of £8 million to make the loan move permanent in January.


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He's been tipped in his homeland for a surprise call-up to the world champions' squad for their World Cup double-header against Paraguay and Peru this month.

And Bernabei - who has played for Argentina Under 23s previously - is hoping he's done enough to impress boss Lionel Scaloni.

He said: "We are an incredible team - World Cup holders and Copa America champions - so of course I know it will be incredibly difficult for me to be called up for the squad.

"But nobody tells me that I can't aim for that.

"I certainly hope with my recent form that it will be my turn soon.

"It is a dream that I have pending and I am going to work as hard as possible for myself. If it happens, it happens.

"I think that in Brazil and Argentina, there are very good full-backs. It's said that Brazil is a country of full backs so being praised is important for me.

"Here in Brazil I am playing every three days or so and that's a real challenge and it is very demanding.

"But I am very happy with my form."

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