Scotland primed to face EPL star at World Cup after striker decision but ex-Celtic man rejects approach
The Sunderland marksman has made a major decision on his international future - but a former Celtic striker is unlikely to join him.
Scotland’s World Cup opponents Haiti have landed a huge pre-tournament boost after Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor confirmed he has chosen to switch his international allegiance to them.
Drawn in Group C at this summer’s tournament, Steve Clarke’s team will face Haiti in their opening game at the 63,815-capacity Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on June 13, before they take on Morocco at the same stadium five days later. Scotland completes their group fixtures with a match against Brazil in Miami on June 24.
Ranked 45 places below Scotland in the FIFA rankings, Haiti are making just their second appearance at the World Cup in their history, and are viewed as Scotland’s best chance of victory as the national team looks to make history in North America by making the group stages of a major tournament for the first time.
However, Scotland’s task has become harder after Isidor chose to switch his international allegiance from France, following a similar decision made by Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde earlier in the campaign. Moving to the Stadium of Light for £3million two summers ago, Isidor bagged 13 goals as the Wearsiders secured promotion to the top flight via the EFL Championship playoffs, and has notched a further four goals in 11 starts this term.
Writing on his official X page, Isidor said: “Dear friends, Haitian brothers and sisters. I am writing to you today to announce my decision to respond favourably to the call of the national team. Over the past few months, I have received an avalanche of messages from you, asking me to join the Grenadiers.
“I took the time to reflect, because I wanted to do things right for the country and the balance of the entire team, not to rush things. But know that I have seen all your messages and that they have touched me to the depths of my heart. Together, we have the opportunity to write history and live great adventures. I can't wait to discover the fervor of our Diaspora, and above all to meet you.”
Haiti manager Sebastien Migne had been hoping to pair Isidor with former Celtic hitman Odsonne Eduoard after the 28-year-old’s strong Ligue 1 season with Lens, but appears to be losing his battle to convince him to switch his international allegiances to Les Grenadiers ahead of the World Cup.
“Technically speaking, Odsonne is a top-level striker,” said Migne earlier this week. “He’s one of the best forwards in our league. And any coach would love to work with him. He would bring added value to my squad. But he still clearly has his sights set on the French national team. From that point on, the debate is closed. For me, I need players who are completely focused.”
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