The growing appeal of Scottish Premiership talent

More than 20 players who featured in the Premiership last season were named in squads at the World Cup this summer.

Of course, a chunk of them were representing Scotland in the United States, while others have failed to get serious game time.

However, a handful have made a mark at the finals and remain in contention as the tournament heads towards the last-16 stage.

Celtic’s Alistair Johnston has played every minute at right-back for co-hosts Canada, while club team-mate Auston Trusty has featured twice and scored for the USA.

Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin came off the bench while Belgium were two goals down to Senegal in the round of 32 and helped his nation to a remarkable comeback win.

Thelo Aasgaard, also of Rangers, has played just once for Norway but scored a delightful goal in a defeat to tournament favourites France.

Celtic duo Daizen Maeda and Benjamin Nygren suffered knockout heartache, but the former impressed again for Japan on the world stage, scoring against the latter’s Sweden in the group stage.

Evidence tells us Old Firm players are capable of making an impact at major finals, but Elijah Just’s form for New Zealand caught many by surprise.

The Motherwell attacking midfielder hammered in three goals across three matches for his nation, who suffered elimination in the group stage.

The Premiership player of the year nominee certainly made his mark, though, which has only intensified talk around his Fir Park future.

“I hope he’s busy,” Celtic-linked Just said regarding his agent following New Zealand’s exit from the competition.