Cameron Carter-Vickers is heading to the World Cup with the USA but it is disappointment for James Sands and Milik Tillman who both miss out.
The Celtic defender - who has been a standout since his arrival at the club under Ange Postecoglou - will get the chance to showcase his talents on the biggest stage of them all as he comes up against England, Wales and Iran at Qatar 2022. He once again showed his class as the Hoops defeated Motherwell to maintain their seven point lead at the top of the table ahead of the final round of fixtures this coming weekend with Ross County heading for Parkhead.
However, it wasn't to be for Rangers' two potential candidates with both men failing to make the final squad that will jet out and represent the country. Both players featured for the Light Blues as they picked up a vital win over Hearts with Tillman proving to be the matchwinner at Ibrox as he shrugged off the tough news.
READ MORE: Ally McCoist touched by Celtic gesture as Rangers icon reveals he has cherished signed Hoops shirt
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Speaking about the duo and the other international stars who suffered heartbreak from their respective countries, Giovanni van Bronckhorst said: “He [Tillman] is a big talent. That’s why we have him here. With young players the only thing their talent is always up and down that’s normal because of his age.
"I think he’s doing well. He heard the news that he is not in the World Cup squad and for a young player it is a hard moment to take.
“That is why I spoke to the team. There are disappointments you have in life and in your career as a player. You have to turn that into a positive to work even harder and that’s what they did. He was not the only one. James Sands was not called up, [Antonio] Colak was not called up, [Rabbi] Matondo was not called up so that is a difficult moment for them. Not for Borna [Barisic] because he did get called up and I am really happy for him.
“Mentally you have to be very strong and I thought Malik’s performance was very, very good and of course he was the matchwinner.”
“Sands had a little knock so hopefully he will be fine for Saturday.”
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