“You don’t know how the break will go, some are on international duty, others are here and we can put work into them.

'As always, we will use this time to prepare the team for what’s left in the season and make sure we finish the season strong.'

“We used the World Cup break really well and that’s evident in our form and performances and the idea is to use this break to finish the season strong.

“For the most part, I see it (international football) as a positive. Daizen Maeda, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston and Aaron Mooy, their form since going to the World Cup has been outstanding and I think that’s because they went there, did well, and came back here with a renewed sense of who they are.

“I think international football does that for sure and unless there’s an injury, which can happen anytime, then I’m encouraged to see them go away because I think they come back with more belief in themselves.”

Two players that have not been called up for their national side despite their immense form for Celtic are Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi.

The manager is full of belief that their exclusion will only push the pair to greater heights and he is looking forward to seeing how they influence the closing stages of the campaign.

He added: Both boys are playing really well and it’s disappointing for them that they haven’t been selected but that’s the nature of international football, it’s up to the national team manager’s decision.

“I try and help them be the best they can be and make sure they are in a good space in whatever challenges they face in their footballing careers.

'If you look at the way they have responded to not being included in the World Cup squad they are playing football better than ever.'

"They are both really determined young men and they will get to the top of the game in one way or another and my role in that is to help them.

“The way they are both playing I think if they were away they would show the form they are in.

“They’re here with us now and we will use that to make sure they’re ready once the league starts.”

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Ange Postecoglou: International break is a chance to come back stronger