Celtic star lands shock Asian Cup call-up as manager explains why he's joining Parkhead pals for Qatar showpiece

Lesser-spotted Celtic winger Marco Tilio has been handed a shock wildcard by Australia for their Asian Cup squad headed to Qatar.

Tilio has earned a shot with Socceroos boss Graham Arnold admitting the diminutive attacker wouldn't have made the cut if it wasn't for the expanded 26-man squad in Qatar. The former Melbourne City star has been plagued by injuries and his contributions in green and white have been fleeting with only two substitute appearances to his name.

But now the 22-year-old has a chance to breathe new life intro his career both for club and country. He will be in the squad with a host of familiar faces with the likes of Hearts pair Kye Rowles and Nathaniel Atkinson joining Hibs hero Martin Boyle plus Keanu Baccus on the plane to the Middle East.

And Tilio's versatility has been named as a reason why he's in the mix for his country and with a shot of turning Celtic heads while away. Arnold said: "I think I can be honest and say if (the squad size) stayed at 23 there is probably a good chance Marco wouldn’t have come.

“But extended to 26 enables us to have someone completely different who can play left wing, right wing, number ten and (has) the experience of major tournaments.”