Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston was called up for Canada, but although the defender won't feature in the matchday squad, he has secured a TV role for the match.
Canadian outlet TSN confirmed that Johnston will make his TV debut, starring as a guest host on SportsCentre on Friday. The player is delighted to have the opportunity.
He said: "I’m super excited, and I can’t wait to go through some highlights and read the teleprompter, which apparently is more difficult than it seems!
"I can’t wait to share that moment with the country from coast to coast, so I’m really looking forward to it. There is nowhere to hide on live TV, let’s just say that much.
"On a football pitch, you can kind of get away with it, but with this, I’m going to have to make sure I bring my A-game. I think I’ve got this up my sleeve, so we’ll see how it goes."
Johnston also gave praise to the people helping him out: "There is a lot of pressure, but I’ve got some pretty good people to look up to. James Duthie, a good family friend, has been giving me some good tips along the way, so hopefully he’ll keep me in good stead here, as I make my debut.
"I think the whole Canada team will be watching in the meal room at 6pm. The rumours have spread like wildfire!"
Exciting times for Johnston
Exciting times for Johnston as not only is he making his debut on TV, but he will shortly return to the pitch. After a season that has seen him suffer back-to-back injuries, he has missed out on a lot of football, but he is returning just in time to help the Celts out in the split.
It has been a difficult season not just for Johnston but for the Hoops as well. With three different managers taking the helm, Brendan Rodgers, Wilfried Nancy and Martin O'Neill twice, it has been far from easy, and now, Celtic are in a difficult position, especially after a 2-0 loss to Dundee United last time out.
However, the club are still in the title race, although they trail both Rangers and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership table. O'Neill's side still has to face both the Gers and the Jambos after the split though, so nothing has been decided yet.
Johnston will make an impact when he returns, and that could be shortly. Exciting times for the defender.