The first international break of 2024 is now upon us, with a number of Celts set to represent their respective nations over the coming week.

Ahead of a big summer of international action, 11 players are on international duty this month, with the first fixtures getting underway later today (Wednesday).

With the European Championships on the horizon, both Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston have been called up to the Scotland squad as they play two friendly matches.

Travelling to face against The Netherlands before returning to Hampden Park for a match against Northern Ireland, both full-backs will be aiming to be involved for Steve Clarke’s side.

After earning his first cap for Denmark at senior level at the end of 2023, Matt O’Riley has earned another call-up for Kasper Hjulmand’s squad.

With back-to-back friendlies at home against fellow Euro 2024 competitors Switzerland, as well as the Faroe Islands, O’Riley is eyeing his first senior appearance for his country on home soil.

Following an impressive start to life at Celtic after joining the Hoops in the January window, Adam Idah's form in front of goal has seen the forward receive another call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad.

At just 23-years-old, Idah has already earned 20 caps for his country and will be looking to add to that during the latest international break as Ireland take on Belgium and Switzerland in Dublin.

Alongside those taking part in friendlies, there are also several players who are in competitive action over the coming week.

Alistair Johnston and Canada will play out a CONCACAF Nations League match-up against Trinidad and Tobago in Texas.

Following on from his involvement with the Japanese national team at the Asian Cup earlier this year, Daizen Maeda has once again joined up with his international team-mates.

The forward will play his part in two World Cup qualifying matches against North Korea as Japan aim to continue their perfect start to the group.

Although he won’t be joining up with the senior South Korean side, Hyunjun Yang has been called up to his nation’s under-23s, who will be participate in the WAFF U23 Championships.

The tournament will see the winger and his nation take on Thailand, before taking part in a further match next Tuesday, with the opposition still to be confirmed depending on results.

Kick-starting the international break with a friendly against Holland, Odin Holm will join the Norway under-21s side who have a European qualifier against San Marino to look forward to.

Paulo Bernardo will be looking to continue his impressive run of appearances for Portugal U21s as they take part in European Championship qualifiers.

Picking up 12 points from their opening five games, the Celtic midfielder and his team-mates will be trying to get back on track with matches against the Faroe Islands and Croatia.

After featuring for his nation’s U19s side towards the back end of 2023, Rocco Vata has made the step up to join the Ireland U21 squad this international break.

The winger has featured on one occasion previously for the U21s, scoring two goals on his debut against San Marino, and he will be looking to put in a similar performance in the reverse fixture.

Following an impressive few months, Daniel Kelly will be aiming to take his performances over to the international stage with the Scotland U19 squad.

The midfielder received a call-up for Billy Stark’s side as they face Italy, Czech Republic and Georgia, with a place at the U19s European Championships up for grabs.

It is set to be a busy week for those on international duty, and we wish a best of luck to all the Bhoys representing their nations in friendly and competitive action!

Full list of Celts on international duty

Greg Taylor – Scotland
Anthony Ralston – Scotland
Matt O’Riley – Denmark
Adam Idah – Ireland
Alistair Johnston – Canada
Daizen Maeda – Japan
Hyunjun Yang – South Korea U23s
Odin Holm – Norway U21s
Paulo Bernardo – Portugal U21s
Rocco Vata – Ireland U21s
Daniel Kelly – Scotland U19s

International Celts get set for first break of 2024