The towering frontman has seen his international exile continue despite a move to Glasgow’s East End
17:37, 17 Mar 2026Updated 19:41, 17 Mar 2026
(Image: SNS Group)
Czech Republic boss Miroslav Koubek has fired back at Celtic striker Tomas Cvancara after the frontman claimed the international team was not his “priority.”
Cvancara, who signed on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach in January, has struggled to hold down a starting spot in Martin O’Neill’s starting line-up following his arrival. However, in recent weeks he has shown flashes of his best.
The hitman came off the bench to send the Hoops through to next month’s semi-final at Hampden by slotting home the decisive penalty from a nervy shootout against Rangers. He followed that up with a crucial spot-kick in the 3-1 win over Motherwell last weekend.
His form for Celtic had been expected to earn a recall for the Czech side for the World Cup play-off showdown with Ireland later this month. But Koubek snubbed the towering frontman.
Asked why the striker was denied a recall, he said: “We considered what awaits us and what mentality is suitable for this game. Cvancara expressed himself that the national team is not a priority for him.
“As a coach, I say that it is not a priority for me to take a player for whom the national team is not a priority.”
It appears that the gaffer has been irked by comments following his move to Glasgow’s East End.
Celtic’s Tomas Cvancara celebrates scoring a penalty to make it 2-1(Image: SNS Group)
When asked about the prospect of playing for his country once again, he said: “It would be an honour, but to be honest, it’s not my goal for the future.
“I would say I want to focus more on the club.”
Team manager Pavel Nedved attempted to cool tensions when asked about players being snubbed – with former Rangers man Vaclav Cerny, who is regularly playing for Besiktas, also missing out.
He said: “They are not bad players in terms of character.
“We considered the players for the line-up that we have in mind for the play-offs. We have the right squad.”
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