CELTIC could face a club v country tug-of-war if they sign US star Washington Nagbe from Portland Timbers next month.
The powerful midfielder is certain to receive an international recall recall while the champions are involved in another hectic period of fixtures featuring five matches in 15 days.
Nagbe fell out of favour with ex-international boss Jurgen Klinsmann, but is expected to add to his 10 caps earned during Bruce Arena’s first stint as the US coach.
Arena has now returned to take over from the German and his first match in charge is against Serbia on January 29, followed by another match still to be confirmed.
The Hoops return from their winter break to face a Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Albion Rovers on Sunday January 22.
In quick succession, they play St Johnstone three days later and Hearts the following Sunday. They meet Aberdeen in midweek on February 1 and St Johnstone four days afterwards.
The US get-together and matches aren’t on designated international dates, but with a new boss coming in Nagbe will be keen to make an impression again at this level.
Arena said: “Players who haven’t been around in a bit, including Darlington Nagbe, will be back in camp. We’re excited about looking at some of these players to see if they’re going to be in a position to help us in 2017.”
Brendan Rodgers’ side are in advanced talks with Portland Timbers over the £3million transfer of the player who was given the VIP treatment at Parkhead during the Champions League encounter with Barcelona last month.
