“Football’s a funny game, there’s always a chance,” Ross Doohan

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The Celtic Star

·12 giugno 2025

“Football’s a funny game, there’s always a chance,” Ross Doohan

Before other holidaymakers in his family had even stirred, incoming Celtic goalkeeper Ross Doohan was already heading to Scotland to answer the call…

Scotland 08/06/2025. Press and training Ross Doohan during the Scotland National Team training session before travelling to Liechtenstein, photo Colin Poultney PSI

The former Celtic goalkeeper set to rejoin Brendan Rodgers’ side earned his first cap for the national team in Vaduz on Monday night, just three days after receiving the call-up.

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The 27-year-old, who was enjoying a family holiday in Turkey, responded to an urgent call and helped secure a 4-0 friendly win against Liechtenstein, wrapping up a hectic few days.

Doohan initially missed the Scotland call while asleep

Doohan initially missed the call while asleep, only waking at 1:20am when Steve Clarke urgently searched for a ready and healthy No.1 after two goalkeepers were sidelined hours earlier in the home match against Iceland.

The goalkeeper roused his parents in the middle of night the night, while everyone else remained unaware until morning – by then, he was already en route to Glasgow. Doohan’s international stats stand at one appearance with a clean sheet, and, as reported by Daily Record, he said: “It’s a great feeling after that, obviously. It was a whirlwind couple of days, being on holiday with my family in Turkey when I got the call.

As soon as I was asked about the call-up, I jumped at the chance

“It was Friday night UK time but it was Saturday morning in Turkey I got the first call. Twenty past one… I was in my bed so the number came up. Mark Leslie [sports science and data manager]made the call. As soon as I was asked about the call-up, I jumped at the chance. I got a flight straight away and met up with the squad. I left the family, yes! It was me, my brother, my mum and dad, my sister and her boyfriend. As soon as I got the call, I phoned my dad.”

Scotland 08/06/2025. Press and training Ross Doohan during the Scotland National Team training session before travelling to Liechtenstein, photo Colin Poultney PSI

Doohan added: “Then my mum and dad came down to reception when I was leaving in the morning. My sister and her boyfriend woke up the next day and I wasn’t there. My mum and dad had to tell them I was on a flight home! So it was quite surreal but it was worth it.

“I texted my dad and spoke to my family after it. They were flying back from Turkey after the Liechtenstein game.”

“This is probably the pinnacle, getting my first cap, and hopefully it’s the first of many”

Having represented his country at every level up to the Under-21s, Doohan was delighted to finally make his senior debut just over four and a half years after his last international appearance.

Summoned following injuries to Robby McCrorie and Angus Gunn before and during Friday’s 3-1 loss to Iceland at Hampden, Doohan went on to say: “It’s been a few years since I came through the 21s and worked my way through all the age groups.

“This is probably the pinnacle, getting my first cap, and hopefully it’s the first of many. It was a great honour. That’s what you’ve always wanted to do as a kid – play at the highest level possible. And that’s international football.

Scotland 08/06/2025. Press and training Ross Doohan during the Scotland National Team training session before travelling to Liechtenstein, photo Colin Poultney PSI

“As soon as I get the call, you’ve got to jump at the chance because it’s a great honour. You know, football’s a funny game, there’s always a chance.”

“You never know what can happen, so you always need to be ready and prepared. I felt good. Going in and getting the session on Sunday helped. I was delighted to start and I’m happy how it went.”

“That’s always a good feeling when you hear your name getting chanted”

Unlike Cieran Slicker’s struggles at Hampden, Doohan faced no difficulties in Vaduz and remarked: “That’s always a good feeling when you hear your name getting chanted.

“It brought a smile to my face and it was a great feeling. I can’t complain, I wasn’t too busy. The boys were solid in front but games like that are all about concentration, so I had to just stay focused because anything can happen at any time.”

Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan during the Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Aberdeen at Tynecastle Park on 1 December 2024. Photo:Malcolm Mackenzie PSI

Regarding his jersey, Doohan mentioned: “I’ll go get it framed and then put it up in my house.”

Doohan set be announced as a Celtic player shortly

Doohan is set to rejoin Celtic as the third-choice goalkeeper, with this international call-up fuelling his motivation to impress and earn further opportunities.

He said: “It’s always going to be difficult but that is the aim. I’m honoured to get my first cap and since I’ve got the feeling for it now, I want more. I’ll just keep working hard to try to get called up again.”

Conor Spence

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