Players coming back from testing themselves against the best in the world won’t only benefit the Celtic women’s side, but the whole league, said Fran Alonso, as Celtic’s international stars arrived back in Glasgow just in time for Partick Thistle tomorrow (Sunday).

The manager welcomed five internationalists back to Barrowfield ahead of this weekend’s return to league action after the brief pause in the domestic proceedings, with the squad raring to go in the game that kciks off at Petershill at 1pm..

He said: “It’s important for the girls - they’re all happy and proud to represent their countries. I’d rather have them here, but I know it’s an important part of football for them, but we’re all happy to be back playing this weekend."

With Tegan Bowie, Rachael Johnstone and Maria Olasfdottir Gros all getting key experience in challenging themselves at their age-band against top youth opposition, Izzy Atkinson’s Ireland were involved in World Cup qualifying action against FIFA second-ranked Sweden and Liv Chance’s New Zealand took on World Cup co-hosts Australia.

And the Spaniard feels that this high-level experience is vital to bring back to club football for the Ghirls.

The manager said: “It’s key. I think these accumulations of experiences are very important.

'Some are facing the best players in the world - in the case of Liv, New Zealand are playing the USA and Australia, facing players at the top of the women’s game.'

"So it’s very important they bring that experience here with them.

“It’s not only good for Celtic but for the league, there were so many players getting these experiences so that makes the league stronger.”

Fran Alonso: International experience will boost all facets of the game