Elite level national team monitoring Celtic star as shock international call for Rangers ace not ruled out
The latest international news for Celtic and Rangers.
Scotland secured a huge win against Croatia to keep their Nations League hopes alive after a game-changing substitution saw John McGinn score a superb winner in their last home international match of the year.
The Aston Villa star ended Scotland’s 10-game run without a competitive win but there is still work to do against Poland. As Steve Clarke’s side prepare for another big battle, we’ve taken a look a look at the latest Celtic and Rangers international news.
Celtic star monitored by national team
Celtic are still yet to lose a match this Scottish Premiership season and the efforts of those in form have not gone unnoticed by rival clubs. While some Hoops stars have become transfer targets, Nicolas Kühn is being monitored by his national team.
The 24-year-old has hit superb numbers already with 10 goals and 11 assists in 17 appearances across all competitions. His standout displays, particularly against RB Leipzig, have made him a big talking point within the Germany camp. Manager Julian Nagelsmann has admitted he is keeping tabs on Kühn, as well as AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw and Yann Bisseck of Inter.
Following Germany's 7-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nagelsmann said: “We are focusing on all German players. Malick has been with the national team before but has been out for quite some time recently. I think both he and Bisseck are great players who still need to improve on some things. Kühn is also a good player with a lot of desire. He’s someone we’re keeping an eye on. But calling up a new player always means excluding another.”
Rangers international comeback ‘not ruled out’
In a similar story, Leon Balogun’s return to international football could still potentially be on the table despite his age. Nigeria’s interim manager Austin Eguavoen was asked about the Rangers defender’s situation ahead of his side’s upcoming clash with Rwanda.
“It is possible, you cannot rule it out,” Eguavoen said in his pre-match press conference regarding a potential Balogun recall.
Balogun made his international debut in 2014 but has not represented the Super Eagles since 2022. Despite being overlooked for Nigeria, the centre-back remains an active and reliable member of this current Rangers side, with 11 appearances in all competitions so far this season. The 36-year-old is enjoying his second stint at Ibrox but is out of contract next year.