Camilo Duran has been handed a pre-Old Firm boost after he was named in the Colombia squad for the first time.
And he has been handed the task of being one of the new faces to replace retired Colombian hero James Rodríguez and dropped former Liverpool star Luis Diaz.
The Hoops ace netted six goals in a five-game spell initially, but the goals have dried up recently as Celtic's form has slumped following two poor defeats to Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup and Ferencvaros in the Europa League.
But he is set to win his first cap after Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo named him for the first time in their squad for friendly matches against Mexico, Paraguay and Peru in the USA.
Duran is one of seven new midfielders and forwards in their new-look squad after Rodriguez announced his international retirement after 131 caps and Bayern Munich ace Diaz was rested.
And Lorenzo wants Duran and co. to take over from their established players.
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He said: "I wanted to see our young talent for myself on the international stage and that's why there are a number of new players.
"I spoke to Luis Diaz and explained to him I thought he looked tired and we agreed we wouldn't include him in this squad so I can look at the new players.
"James has retired and I respect his decision. He was a standard-bearer and gave so much for the national team.
"But it's time for a new No.10 to come along and make Colombia fall in love with him."
