Rangers and Celtic trio get international minutes as World Cup qualifiers kick off in Europe

Glen Kamara started for Finland in a 2-2 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina as the first tranche of European qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar kicked off.

The midfielder was the only Scottish based player to complete 90 minutes in the first night of fixtures in this international break.

Kamara was booked after half hour of his side’s draw, which was secured thanks to ex-Celtic striker Teemu Pukki’s double.

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Rangers team-mate Borna Barisic was also booked inside the first half hour of Croatia’s 1-0 defeat to Slovenia before the left-back was substituted at half-time.

Bosnia-Herzegovina's midfielder Rade Krunic (L) and Finland's midfielder Glen Kamara vie for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification football match Finland v Bosnia and Herzegovina in Helsinki on March 24, 2021. (Photo by JUSSI NUKARI/LEHTIKUVA/AFP via Getty Images)Bosnia-Herzegovina's midfielder Rade Krunic (L) and Finland's midfielder Glen Kamara vie for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification football match Finland v Bosnia and Herzegovina in Helsinki on March 24, 2021. (Photo by JUSSI NUKARI/LEHTIKUVA/AFP via Getty Images)
Bosnia-Herzegovina's midfielder Rade Krunic (L) and Finland's midfielder Glen Kamara vie for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification football match Finland v Bosnia and Herzegovina in Helsinki on March 24, 2021. (Photo by JUSSI NUKARI/LEHTIKUVA/AFP via Getty Images)

Old Firm rival Mohamed Elyounoussi was the only Celtic starter and he too was replaced at the interval with Norway already 2-0 up. Kristoffer Ajer was substitute for the Norwegians in the win with the final score 3-0 against Gibraltar.

Parkhead team-mate Shane Duffy was named on the bench by Stephen Kenny as Republic of Ireland fell to a 3-2 defeat against Serbia. The Celtic defender, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, was joined by fellow unused sub Daryl Horgan, once of Hibernian.

Elsewhere, former Celtic player Jason Denayer was at the heart of Belgium’s defence for the 3-1 win over Wales and ex-Falkirk goalkeeper Tim Krul was on the wrong end of a 4-2 defeat as Frank de Boer’s Holland lost to Turkey.

More internationals can expect to be involved on Thursday with the likes of Northern Ireland, Sweden and Scotland all scheduled to play their first qualifiers with several Scottish-based players from the Premiership and Championship within their ranks.

Norway's Mohamed Elyounoussi fights for the ball during the World Cup 2022 group G qualifying soccer match between Gibraltar and Norway in Gibraltar, Wednesday March 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Javier Fergo)Norway's Mohamed Elyounoussi fights for the ball during the World Cup 2022 group G qualifying soccer match between Gibraltar and Norway in Gibraltar, Wednesday March 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Javier Fergo)
Norway's Mohamed Elyounoussi fights for the ball during the World Cup 2022 group G qualifying soccer match between Gibraltar and Norway in Gibraltar, Wednesday March 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Javier Fergo)

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