Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren says he didn’t return to Celtic Park on Wednesday after Martin O’Neill gave him a day off.
The Celtic player was part of the Sweden squad that secured the World Cup qualification during the March international break.
Sweden struggled in the initial phases forcing them to part ways with Jon Dahl Tomasson and appoint Graham Potter as his successor last October.
Potter guided them to the World Cup play-offs, where Sweden first faced Ukraine last week. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres’ hat-trick helped them seal a 3-1 win and the Celtic winger registered an assist.
Sweden then faced Poland and Gyökeres’ 88th minute goal was the difference between the two countries in the end. The 24-year-old Bhoys attacker registered another assist.
O’Neill approves delayed Celtic return
Thursday’s edition of Goteborgs-Posten has published an interview with Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren to discuss a few topics.
The majority of the interview is around Sweden’s March international break and the World Cup qualification.
He played the full 90 minutes against Ukraine and 81 minutes against Poland on Tuesday.
On his involvement last month, he said: “Of course I’m involved, and that’s what I want to be. It feels great. We’ve focused a lot on set pieces and scored a few goals in training with it. I felt like it would be in the match too.”
The Celtic player is happy to make his country proud by making it to the tournament in the US.
“Magical! It’s something we’ve all dreamed of. We’ve fought so hard for this, so it was just magical to celebrate with everyone,” Nygren explained.
“Absolutely wonderful. We’re not just winning as a team, but for all of Sweden. We’re taking all of Sweden to the World Cup.”
Towards the end, Goteborgs-Posten say he didn’t have to return to Celtic on Wednesday. When asked whether Martin O’Neill had given him a day off, he added: “Haha, yes!”
What next for Nygren
Benjamin Nygren arrived at Celtic Park from FC Nordsjælland in June 2025 and managed 19 goals and seven assists this season.
Last month, the attacker said he dreams of playing in top European league after having a ‘best season’ with Celtic.
With Sweden qualifying for the World Cup, it provides him an opportunity to showcase his qualities and attract teams from top European leagues.
