CARL STARFELT was an unused substitute as Sweden edged a step closer to the winter World Cup Finals after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over the Czech Republic last night.
The Celtic central defender, who joined the Hoops in a £4.2million switch from Russian giants Rubin Kazan in July, was called up by his nation for the first time in 17 months for the crucial encounter.
However, he had to be satisfied with a seat on the bench as a goal in the 110th minute from Robin Quaison settled the outcome, according to a report on the BBC.
Starfelt will be hoping to get some game time when the Swedes travel to Poland in the Play-Off Final on Tuesday.
If the Parkhead centre-back requires any up-to-date information on the opponents he will only have to ask team-mates Callum McGregor and Greg Taylor who played in the 1-1 friendly stalemate against the Poles at Hampden last night.
Good news for Starfelt and his colleagues in their Qatar quest is that superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was banned for the match against the Czechs, will be available next week. He last played in a World Cup in 2006.
STALEMATE AT HAMPDEN, WORLD CUP EYES ON WALES
