OPINION
Celtic outcast Cristian Gamboa must show Brendan Rodgers what he is missing by putting on the show of his life when he plays for Costa Rica in the World Cup this summer.
The Central American nation are pooled in Group E, along with Brazil, Switzerland, and Serbia – all of whom will give the full-back plenty of opportunities to shine or shock.
And given that the 28-year-old has made just the two appearances by Rodgers in a season where Mikael Lustig and Jack Hendry are both well above him in the pecking order, good displays against the likes of the Brazilians will see Gamboa’s name back in the forefront of his manager’s thoughts.
The defender, who is a double title-winner with the Hoops also has a championship title to his name from his time in Denmark with FC Copenhagen, will be keen to impress in Russia this summer after enduring what he described as a “difficult” season.
With Gamboa’s contract not due to expire until next summer, there is a chance that he can make his way back into the side at Parkhead – but only if he plays for Costa Rica.
Failure to do so, will mean it is curtains for the 28 -year-old in Scotland but if he is selected to play then it can be a springboard to catapult him back into Rodgers’ side.