HONDURAN INTERNATIONAL Emilio Izaguirre, who is preparing for a friendly this week against Ecuador in New Jersey, USA, sent a message to the Celtic support that he has returned to full fitness and ready to do his bit if required in the remaining games this season as the Bhoys hunt down an historic Treble Treble.
And the news is even more welcome given the worrying situation that is emerging in Astana where Kieran Tierney has been ruled out of this afternoon’s Euro 2020 qualifier due to concerns over his hip. That injury kept the full back out for around 10 weeks and while he has returned to action in recent weeks, he has looked a little short of his best form, as he manages his recovery.
Izaguirre played at left back in the majority of the matches KT missed and after suffering a bad one himself against Hibs at Celtic Park, he came back into the team for the home match in the Europa League against Valencia – while clearly still injured – and didn’t have the best of nights. What Brendan Rodgers was doing fielding an injured player remains a mystery but what no-one should do is hold his performance in that match against the popular Honduran.
“I played in about 15 games from November to February and was enjoying it with no problems,” Emilio told the Honduran media.
“Unfortunately, I’ve injured my ankle at the start of March and have been missing since. But I am back in full training now and I feel I am ready to take the next step.
“I could have called off from playing for my national team because of the injury, but I never say no to them. And it will be a help for me if I get some game time.
“I’m been representing my country for 12 years so far with enormous pride. When I was a 20-year-old, we had players in the squad who were 37 and they helped me. I’d like to give something back for the young players in the squad too.
“And Rafael Marquez played at a World Cup when he was 39, so I have no intention of not playing for my country. But I am fit and hoping to contribute something for my club and country before the end of the season.”
Emilio’s contract is up at the end of the season and Neil Lennon, the man who brought him to the club the first time around, will be considering the merits of keeping one of his experienced players about the place as he aims for 9 in a row.
Emilio Izaguirre has never let Celtic down.
