CELTIC FIVE ON WORLD CUP STAND-BY FOR JUNE

FIVE Celtic stars, including skipper Callum McGregor, will be on stand-by for Scotland after it was announced the delayed World Cup semi-final play-off against Ukraine had been scheduled for Hampden on Wednesday June 1.

The date has been given the go-ahead and the winners of the tie will take on Wales in Cardiff four days later to determine which country takes their place in Qatar in the Finals in November and December.

The original fixture was due on March 24, but was postponed due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Gareth Bale netted two goals to give the Welsh a 2-1 victory over Austria in their last-four confrontation and they now await the victors at the Cardiff City Stadium.

As well as McGregor, Anthony Ralston, Greg Taylor, James Forrest and David Turnbull could be in manager Steve Clarke’s plans for the crucial international encounters.

Russia were due to take part in the World Cup play-offs, but were thrown out of the tournament as a sanction for its actions in Ukraine.

That handed Poland a bye into the path B final, in which they saw off Sweden to secure their place in the Finals.