Cameron Carter-Vickers arrival at Celtic was met with more than a sense of relief this summer transfer window, after the big defender decided to commit his immediate future to Celtic FC. The USA international was part of a spine that allowed Ange Postecoglou’s flair players really let loose in the cinch Premiership and Europa League last season along with Joe Hart, Carl Starfelt and Callum McGregor.
Now back for pre-season training with the Hoops over in Austria for their summer training camp, Cameron is aiming to topple last year’s performances in lew of competing in the Champions League next term, whilst also having the not so small issue of a World Cup place up for grabs for the United States. Speaking about the possibilities this season will throw up, he said: “100 per cent. Every player wants to be part of a World Cup. That’s got to be my aim, to keep working hard and keep working to be part of the squad.
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“Yeah it could be big. With international football I’ve just got to focus on doing well at Celtic and building upon what we did last year. Hopefully the stuff on top will then come.”
“The Fridge” as he’s been referred to in the past, was so influential in the overarching theme of Ange Postecoglou’s revolution in the 2021-22 campaign. Scoring a crucial goal against theRangers at Ibrox back in April to put the cherry on top of a phenomenal season with the Bhoys, Carter-Vickers earned a call-up for his country last month during their CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers and was competing against Grenada when his move to Celtic Park was confirmed.
He reflected on the moment and revealed his delight when he saw some of the fan reaction to his move from Spurs. He said as reported by Daily Record: “It was a bit difficult to take it all in at the time. I was away with the USA and when it was announced we had a game that night and I was trying to focus on that. I saw bits of the fans’ reaction and it was great to see.”
Whilst he has Champions League football on the horizon to look forward to, he is also aware that if he does secure a place at this year’s World Cup in Qatar, there will be split allegiances within the family as his mum is English but his dad American. Both countries have been drawn together in a group with Iran and Wales, with CCV joking he could upset someone in the family.
He said: “Oh yeah, that will be a good game. I’ve not really had too much banter from my mum’s side of the family about it yet. It would be a chance to play against Harry Kane.”
As well as the possibility of playing against a former Tottenham Hotspur teammate, centre-back Vickers spoke of the Celtic connection he stumbled upon whilst away on international duty. Timo Weah is a consistent pick with the USAMNT under coach Gregg Berhalter’s tutelage, and the Celtic player had nothing but praise for our former loanee striker. He added: “We had a little chat about Celtic. He really enjoyed it up here as well. Now he’s off playing in France, but we spoke a little about it. He’s a very good guy, me and him actually get on really well. He’s a funny guy.”
Paul Gillespie
