Carl Starfelt's Celtic resurgence rewarded with Sweden recall for crucial World Cup showdown

Celtic's Carl Starfelt has been recalled by the Swedish national side following a string of impressive displays for the Premiership leaders.

The centre-back looked to be out of the international picture amid an underwhelming start to his life in Scottish football following his £4million move from Rubin Kazan last summer.

But in recent months, Starfelt has won the trust of Ange Postecoglou through his partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers.

He now seems to be among the first names on the Australian's team sheet despite Christopher Jullien's returning to full-fitness.

Starfelt's cool displays at the heart of Celtic 's defence has seen the Hoops concede the fewest goals in the league so far this season, and Sweden boss Janne Andersson has clearly taken note.

Starfelt hasn't made a senior appearance for his country since October 2020 but he'll join up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co for the upcoming crucial World Cup semi-final play-off against Czech Republic later this month, with Starfelt hoping to add to his existing four caps.

Starfelt has previously stated he is feeling "comfortable" in the Celtic XI after a rocky start: "I think we are playing good. We are not giving the opposition too many chances.

"I feel like we have a lot of players in good shape as well. I feel that I am in good shape and I am enjoying my football."