Australia youth boss comments on Celtic talent’s Olympic chances

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Australia’s under-23 caretaker coach Gary van Egmond has highlighted how important Celtic winger Daniel Arzani can be to the nation’s Olympic team in the months to come. 

Van Egmond is the current Australia under-20 boss but recently managed the under-23s in two friendlies against New Zealand on a caretaker basis. 

He was speaking to SBS’ The World Game when he pointed put just how important that Arzani could be for the ‘Olyroos’ in Tokyo next summer. 

“It depends where he’s at in terms of his fitness but if he’s good to go then in this age group he’s very important in terms of where he’s playing and the level he’s at.

“He could have a big bearing on the team and how it progresses from here.

“We’ll obviously hes guided by the medicos in terms of where he’s up to to ensure the best outcome for him.”

TBR’s View

Arzani’s time at Celtic has certainly not gone to plan. The Australian, who looked a real talent at last summer’s World Cup in Russia, joined Celtic on loan from Manchester City in August of last year. 

However, he suffered a horrific knee injury on his debut and is still waiting to make his second appearance for the club. 

The wide-man has been back to training for a number of months now and will be hoping to play for Celtic soon.

However, his Olympic hopes may be hampered by Celtic’s strength in depth in the wide positions. The Bhoys have the likes of James Forrest, Mikey Johnston, Scott Sinclair, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Johnny Hayes, Lewis Morgan and Marian Shved who are all likely to be ahead of Arzani in the pecking order under Neil Lennon. 

So the talented Australian clearly has some work to do if he is to find himself in form for the Australian Olympic team next summer.