Ghirls get set for return after final international break of 2023

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Celtic F.C.

·6 December 2023

Ghirls get set for return after final international break of 2023

With the final international break of 2023 coming to a close, it proved to be another successful week for the Celts representing their nations.

The number of international call-ups in Fran Alonso’s Hoops squad has continued to grow this campaign, thanks to the Ghirls' impressive performances over the course of this calendar year.

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A total of eight players received call-ups during the final international break of the year as they looked to round off 2023 in a successful manner with their countries.

Following her first call-up for the Irish national team back in September, it has been an incredible few months on the international scene for Caitlin Hayes.

After once again joining up with her nation during this month’s break, the defender continued her run in the side, earning her fifth and sixth caps against Hungary and Northern Ireland.

Hayes helped her country achieve the perfect UEFA Nations League campaign, winning six out of their six group matches. She was also able to grab her second goal for Ireland, capping off an impressive 6-1 victory over Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening.

Initially being the only Celtic player called up to the Chinese national team, Shen Mengyu was soon joined by a familiar face in the squad after a late call saw Shen Menglu also join her club and international team-mate.

It proved to be a productive break for the Hoops duo, with Shen Mengyu taking her place in the starting line-up during both friendly matches against the USA, and she even managed to score during the 2-1 defeat in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

For Menglu, it was also a landmark moment for her country, making her first start in the second of the two friendly outings alongside Mengyu.

Receiving her first call-up for the Moroccan national team since joining the Celts, Imane Addi’s recent form in green and white saw her earn a recall during this month’s international break.

The 26-year-old midfielder took her place in the starting line-up for both friendly matches against Uganda, with the first ending in a 1-1 draw, before Morocco rounded off the break with a 3-0 win.

Amy Gallacher continued her run of call-ups to Pedro Martinez Losa’s Scotland squad, being named in the 24-player squad that faced off against Belgium and England.

The Hoops forward came off the bench to earn her third cap in the opening game, but didn;t feature in the side that faced the Auld Enemy at Hampden Park.

Finally, the trio of Colette Cavanagh, Jenny Smith and out on-loan goalkeeper Rachael Johnstone were also named in the Scotland under-23 group who travelled out to Spain for a training camp.

During what was another productive week, both Cavanagh and Smith started in a friendly outing against The Netherlands to round off the camp.

A huge well done to all the Ghirls out on international duty this past week, creating more landmark moments to celebrate with their respective countries.

Cheer on the Hoops in their final home match of 2023

Following the conclusion of the final international break of 2023, Fran Alonso and his Celtic squad are quickly back in league action as they welcome Spartans to the Excelsior Stadium (December 10).

The Ghirls will be aiming to round off what has been another fantastic year as they gear up for the final two SWPL fixtures before the winter break, with the first coming on Sunday (KO 2pm).

Be there to cheer on the Celts for our final home match of the year in Airdrie, with tickets available to purchase online now!

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