Celtic youngster scores twice just hours after surprise international withdrawal | OneFootball

Celtic youngster Francis Turley was a surprise absentee from Northern Ireland Under-21 duty this week – despite playing and scoring twice for the Hoops B team just hours later.

Celtic Park ahead of the Celtic v AC Milan in a pre-season friendly at Celtic Park on July 25, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

The 20-year-old had been named in Tommy Wright’s squad for European Championship qualifiers against Malta, Georgia and Greece during the international break.

However, Turley was no longer part of the group by the time Northern Ireland opened their campaign against Malta.

The Irish FA confirmed Nottingham Forest youngster Kalum Thompson had been drafted into the squad “following the withdrawal of Francis Turley,” but provided no explanation for his absence.

There was no suggestion that the Celtic midfielder had suffered an injury – and events later that day only added to the mystery.

Turley started for Celtic B against Clachnacuddin at Grant Street Park and completed the full 90 minutes.

He also played a starring role in the 3-3 draw, converting a penalty in the first half before scoring again in the 92nd minute to rescue a point for the young Hoops.

Northern Ireland went on to beat Malta 4-0 without Turley, but his appearance for Celtic B on the same day raises an obvious question over why he withdrew from international duty.

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