CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS’ three-year international exile is about to end with a call-up from USA manager Gregg Berhalter.
The on-loan Celtic centre-back is poised to be named in the squad after being overlooked while on his temporary transfer travels from Spurs at Stoke City, Luton and Bournemouth.
England-born Carter-Vickers has been capped eight times by the his adopted country, the last coming as a late substitute in a 1-0 friendly loss to Jamaica in June 2019 in Washington.
He has been in the international wilderness since his 18 minute appearance, but has impressed with his form since arriving in Glasgow on a last-gasp deadline-day deal from the London club.
The 24-year-old central defender, who was watched by USA assistant boss Anthony Hudson in the 1-1 derby draw at Parkhead on Sunday and received a glowing report for his performance as Ange Postecoglou’s side edged closer to the title with a six-point advantage and three games to play.
Carter-Vickers is set to be included in the player pool for the hectic schedule next month where the American will play four games – two friendlies against Morocco and Uruguay and two Concacaf Nations League games aganst Grenada and El Salvador.
USA chief Berhalter, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “For the June matches, I will be inviting two players who weren’t part of the qualifying effort – Cameron Carter-Vickers at Celtic and Haji Wright at Antalyaspor. Both are enjoying fine seasons in Europe.
“I would rather look at a guy like Carter-Vickers to see what he can do than someone like John Brooks at Wolfsburg because I have worked with him before and know what he’s all about.
“There are still some World Cup spots still up for grabs. It’s not locked in.”
Carter-Vickers is due to return to parent club Spurs when his temporary transfer expires at the end of this month although moves have been made to make the £6million-rated defender’s stay at the Hoops permanent.
The Southend-born back-four performer has been a revelation since he arrived as has attracted attention from the likes of West Ham, Leicester City, Wolves, Burnley and former loan club Bournemouth, as CQN reportedlast week.
The USA will kick off their World Cup Finals with their opening Group B kick-off due on November 21.
Intriguingly, Scotland could be the opponents in the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium if they can get past the semi-final play-off against Ukraine at the start of next month and then the Final against Wales in Cardiff.
The Americans are also ready to play England on November 25 and complete their four-team section with a match against Iran four days later.
