Tomas Cvancara has been omitted from the Czech Republic squad after national team manager Miroslav Koubek revealed the Celtic striker’s stance on international duty this season.
The on-loan forward is attempting to resurrect his career at Parkhead following his winter switch from SC Freiburg. Despite netting just once since arriving, Cvancara played a key role in Celtic’s victory over Motherwell and has shown sufficient form to warrant consideration for his country.
However, the 25-year-old has made his priorities unmistakably clear. Koubek disclosed that Cvancara informed him the national team “is not a priority,” prompting a reciprocal response from the manager.
In comments reported by the Daily Record, Koubek explained his decision: “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.”
While the exchange carries an air of mutual snub, the development represents welcome news for Celtic. With the squad already stretched by injuries, the club avoids the risk of losing another player to international duty. Cvancara can now concentrate exclusively on domestic objectives, namely securing the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup success.
Martin O’Neill will welcome the continuity, retaining the striker for training sessions throughout the break as the team prepares for the crucial run-in.
Cvancara’s international record remains modest. He has earned eight caps and scored once, marking his debut with a goal in a 3-1 Euro 2024 qualifying victory over Poland in March 2023. He has not found the net since and last appeared in October 2024, featuring for the final minute of a 4-1 win against Albania. He was an unused substitute in the subsequent 1-1 draw with Ukraine, and further call-ups now appear distant prospects.