Caitlin Hayes makes international decision that is likely to be popular with the Celtic support

The English-born defender, who turned 28 on Friday, has been training with the full Ireland squad this week. Yet, her switch wasn’t confirmed until confirmation of her Irish citizenship came through on her birthday.

As reported by the Irish Independent, Hayes has been chasing the move for a fair amount of time. Her grandfather James is from Offaly, and that allows her to make the switch.

Hayes could be thrust right into the limelight in a pretty big game for her new country. The Republic of Ireland face Northern Ireland on Saturday afternoon in their opening Nations League clash.

What makes the fixture even more appealing is that it’s being held at the Aviva Stadium — the first time the women’s side have ever played in Ireland’s national stadium. (Balls)

Hayes has, of course, gained plenty of big match experience at Celtic over the past 12 months. She’s played in league-defining matches, a cup final, Champions League qualifiers and in front of thousands at Celtic Park.

So she should be just fine even if the last week may have been a bit of a whirlwind.

“Words can never comprehend it or explain how that feels,” she said ahead of the game. “If the opportunity comes, then I’m over the moon, but just grateful for the team to be on that stage. It’s where they belong, and yeah, I’m excited for the day in whatever capacity it will bring.” (Irish Independent)

With Celtic’s proud links with Ireland, going back all the way to the founding of the club, this is a move that will be popular with the Hoops support.

Hayes’ new side even qualified for the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. We could soon see her on a stage like that.

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The latest edition of the re-named FIFA series launches across all consoles today and millions of gamers around the world are scoping out the players in the game to figure out who should be targeted in the popular Career Mode.

That mode of the game is often about the potential of players over time and as such, three Celtic wingers may well be some of the best young talents to bring into your virtual squad.

Big things expected from Celtic trio

Hyunjun Yang, Liel Abada and Rocco Vata have all made it onto the ‘wonderkids’ list curated by renowned football magazine FourFourTwo. They’ve determined which players have the best potential rating in the game.

Yang has the highest potential rating of 83, with Vata and Abada closely behind on 82. Per the game, that puts their potential in a similar ballpark to the likes of Ben Doak of Liverpool and Jeremy Doku of Manchester City.

It could take a while for Career Mode players to develop the Celtic contingent to that level. Vata is starting with a squad-low rating of 64, while Yang has a starter rating of 68 and Abada up on 74.

In real life, all three players continue to develop and progress under manager Brendan Rodgers. Yang is already a regular feature in match squads following his summer move from South Korea while hopes are high for Abada’s future after he signed a long-term contract.

Unfortunately, the Israeli international is out injured for a few months, hampering his 2023/24 season. But he’ll be included as a firm fixture of Rodgers’ plans in the new year.

Vata’s future in Glasgow is less certain with less than a year left on his contract and multiple clubs around Europe tracking his progress. He’s currently featuring for the Celtic B side, although the Bhoys must have some hope of keeping him after rejecting late offers during the summer transfer window.

Hopefully all three, over time, can live up to their billing as some of the most exciting young players in football.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou makes it clear how much he still loves Celtic in new Sky Sports interview.