MARCO TILIO’S hopes of making a huge impression in the Asian Cup were dealt a blow when he was snubbed by Australia in their opening 2-0 Group B win over India in Al Rayyan in Qatar.
The Celtic winger, who has figured for only 28 minutes in Brendan Rodgers’ first team since his £2million arrival from Melbourne City in the summer, was left on the sidelines for his nation’s opening encounter in the competition.
Tilio was an unused substitute as he watched former Hoops prospect Jackson Irvine score the breakthrough goal on the hour mark when he latched onto a poor clearance from keeper Gurpreet Singh to fire into the inviting net.
SOCCEROOS CELEBRATIONS…Jackson Irvine races away after scoring the opening goal against India.
Substitute Jordan Bos made certain in the 73rd minute only moments after coming on as a substitute. Riley McGree, who was linked with a move to Parkhead in January 2022 before Matt O’Riley was signed, set it up with a neat pass.
Irvine, who made one appearance in his three years before leaving for Ross County in 2015, told Reuters: “We had to be patient. These games are cagey when teams play deep.
“We created some really good moments, but maybe rushed things in the first-half.”
The Socceroos are now top of their section with the other game, Uzbekistan v Syria, ending goalless.
Tilio will be hoping to get the nod from head coach Graham Arnold to face either Syria on Thursday or Uzbekistan a week on Tuesday.
The rarely-seen wide Bhoy, who has made only fleeting cameo substitute outings against Motherwell and Hibs, has been linked with a loan move in this transfer window.