Celtic player left out of national team to save Parkhead career

After Celtic face Ross County this weekend and look to bounce back from their Borussia Dortmund result, there’s another international break. The team will then be back in league action next on October 19 when Aberdeen, who have also won all of their Premiership games so far this season, are the visitors. That could be a tough game for Brendan Rodgers' side.

The international break though gives time for some players to rest. And in the case of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor, it’s a chance to recover from injuries, so they are available to play Aberdeen.

For other players, Rodgers will be hoping they don’t suffer any injuries while away with their national sides. One player though may be looking at the break differently from usual amid his struggles at Parkhead.

Luis Palma is a key player for Honduras. So it was a surprise when he wasn’t called up by their national team manager Reinaldo Rueda for the two matches against French Guiana and Jamaica. The reason has now come to light.

Celtic player left out of national team to save Parkhead career

Palma hasn’t featured much for Celtic of late either with just two league appearances totalling seven minutes. His more recent role as a substitute has faded somewhat too. He didn’t make the squad at all for the St Johnstone match and although on the bench for the two games so far, he hasn’t featured in either Champions League match this season.

As reported by El Heraldo, Palma and the coaching staff led by Rueda have reached an agreement not to call up the player. He will remain working with Celtic with the aim of recovering his level. He has also decided to take a break from social media.

It’s a mixed opportunity as there will be some downtime while the top players at the club are away. The Hoops have a friendly scheduled against Sligo Rovers on Wednesday. That is likely to feature a second-string team but could give Palma a chance to impress Rodgers.