Celtic academy graduate joins Scotland’s national team training

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·9 October 2025

Celtic academy graduate joins Scotland’s national team training

Celtic academy graduate Ben McPherson joined Scotland’s national team training sessions this week as Steve Clarke prepares for vital World Cup double-header…

Pierre Weber of RB Leipzig vies with Ben McPherson of Celtic during the UEFA Youth League match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Excelsior Stadium on October 11, 2022. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Partick Thistle loanee and Scotland U21 international was invited to join Steve Clarke’s senior squad for training earlier this week. The 21-year-old trained alongside Liam McFarlane and Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, with the three players called in to bolster the numbers during the sessions.

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McPherson took part in Celtic’s pre-season campaign, making appearances in matches against Newcastle United at Celtic Park and Queen’s Park. Since moving to Thistle on loan, the full-back has made eight appearances for the club this season and the Jags have started the season impressively under Mark Wilson.

Pierre Weber of RB Leipzig vies with Ben McPherson of Celtic during the UEFA Youth League match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Excelsior Stadium on October 11, 2022 in Airdrie, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

McPherson had been a regular starter for Celtic’s B team before a severe ACL injury sidelined him for most of the previous campaign. He returned to action in May and it is pleasing to see that his loan move to the Scottish Championship – to play senior football every week – has been positive and is now reaping the rewards for a decent start to the season.

McPherson will have trained alongside Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston this week as Scotland look ahead to two huge games in their World Cup qualifying campaign at Hampden against Greece and Belarus.

Steve Clarke, Head Coach of Scotland looks on during the international friendly match between Scotland and Iceland at Hampden Park on June 06, 2025. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

Having taken four points from Denmark and Belarus in the last camp, Clarke’s men will be aiming for two wins as they push towards automatic qualification for next summer’s World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.

However, it will be a tough test this evening. It was only in March that Greece came to Glasgow and comprehensively won 3-0 and they will feel they can do the same this evening.

Anthony Ralston of Celtic tackled by Josh Campbell of Hibernian Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 27 September 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO Shutterstock

Meanwhile, Tierney, Ralston and their club teammates will return to Scottish Premiership action next Sunday when Celtic travel to face Dundee at Dens Park.

It’s a massive month for Brendan Rodgers’ side with games against Sturm Graz in the Europa League then a mouthwatering trip to Tynecastle coming after the trip to the City of Discovery.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has signed the remaining batch of David Potter’s outstanding final book Celtic in the Eighties so hurry to get your signed copy!

Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny PLUS you’ll also receive a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last.

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Also postage will only be charged on ONE book, not per item so if you are in Britain or the six counties you will pay £24.50 for both books – one side by Danny McGrain and that includes the postage costs for speedy delivery. As always the books are hardback and are of the highest quality.