A statue of Celtic's first manager, Willie Maley, is set to be unveiled next month in Newry, Ireland.

Born in 1868, Maley took charge of the Hoops between 1897 and 1940. He was in the Parkhead dugout for 43 years, winning 30 trophies across that spell.

He is also the longest-serving manager in the club's history. Planning permission for the statue was granted in August last year.

The project is being progressed by the Newry Willie Maley Memorial Group, a community program which has been campaigning for a tribute for the former Hoops boss for a significant period.

So far, £80,000 has been raised towards the project, in conjunction with Celtic fans and the wider local community.

A spokesperson for the group said: "As pointed out previously, this project was funded by you (Celtic fans) and only you with no financial backing from any party or official office and that's something to be proud of, for in the years ahead we can look back and say without contradiction that statue is owned by the supporters."

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Meanwhile, Celtic hero Frank McAvennie has been left baffled at the USA's decision not to include Cameron Carter-Vickers in their latest international squad.

The defender featured for America at the World Cup, playing in the third match of the group stages as they defeated Iran 1-0 to qualify for the competition's knockout phase.

However, interim national team boss Anthony Hudson has opted not to select the 25-year-old for the CONCACAF Nations League fixtures against Grenada and El Salvador.

And while McAvennie was surprised at this move, he also thinks it will benefit Ange Postecoglou's side.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: " I am surprised (at him receiving a call-up) because Carter-Vickers has been different class.

"He is one of the standouts in the team. People keep forgetting there are a lot of good players and a lot of talent in Scotland.

"He is sticking his head above the parapet. Ange will be delighted because there is a few games coming up.

"But it does not sit well for the rest of Scottish football."

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