Cameron Carter-Vickers hasn't appeared for the USMNT since June 2019, when the center back was given 18 minutes in Gregg Berhalter's first defeat in charge — an entirely forgettable 1-0 friendly loss to Jamaica in Washington D.C.
The Tottenham defender spent the 2019-20 season on loan with Stoke City (first half) and Luton Town (second half), the 2020-21 campaign with Bournemouth and is now with Celtic in the Premiership (the Scottish giant reportedly has a $13 million summer purchase option).
The 24-year-old is now playing more consistently than ever. On Sunday, he started his 27th match of the Premiership season — it was the Old Firm against hated rival Rangers at the Ibrox in Glasgow.
Rangers won the title last season — its first in a decade — with Steven Gerrard in charge, but he's since departed for Aston Villa and been replaced by Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Celtic — which had enjoyed nine successive titles before that — is now under the leadership of first year manager Ange Postecoglou, and he brought his side to the Ibrox with a three point lead over Rangers at the top of the table.
However, just three minutes into the match, Aaron Ramsey, on loan from Juventus, gave the home side the advantage after Calvin Bassey released Ryan Kent on Celtic's right.
Aaron Ramsey had given Rangers the lead after just two minutes with a deft finish. pic.twitter.com/tK9GDqd2yI
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 3, 2022
Celtic's response was immediate with the Australian Tom Rogic providing the finish.
What a start to the Old Firm!
Two goals in seven minutes as Celtic cancel out Rangers' opener. pic.twitter.com/CDmjo4cZGy— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 3, 2022
Then, three minutes before halftime, a Celtic free kick lofted into the area wasn't properly cleared and it ended at the feet of Carter-Vickers seven yards out.
The American controlled with his knee and ripped a left-footed effort on frame that Allan McGregor couldn't react to. It's the center back's fourth goal of the season, and given the circumstances, it's sure to get the attention of both Berhalter and Antonio Conte.
Cameron Carter-Vickers scores in the Old Firm as Celtic come from behind to lead! pic.twitter.com/unvlAW5Sud
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 3, 2022
Passion.
#RANCEL | #cinchPrem | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/k3VWtwI53N— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 3, 2022
That would prove the match-winner as Rangers couldn't find a second despite attempting 16 shots and putting six on target. The Old Firm had its usual moments of madness, including a delayed start to the second half to deal with broken shards of glass in Joe Hart's goal.
Off the pitch, three Celtic fans were arrested Saturday night for attempting to seal the Ibrox's turnstiles shut with expanding foam.
The second half of the Old Firm was delayed after a fan threw a glass bottle in the direction of Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart's goal. pic.twitter.com/auCAhECl2D
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 3, 2022
Celtic's six points clear at the top with six matches to play, but there's still a Scottish Cup semifinal between these two teams at Hampden Park on Sunday, April 17.
Here are the scenes at Ibrox as the Celtic players celebrate, plus we take a look at the latest Scottish Premiership league table pic.twitter.com/ScgtUYbM44
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 3, 2022
