But the exiled Republic of Ireland international could make his bow for his new club in Sunday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

BBC: Stephen Ireland deal pleases Villa boss Kevin MacDonald

Although eager to make his Scotland bow the 23-year-old says it might have been for the best that his international clearance has been held up for the Group 9 run-in.

BBC: Celtic's Fox eyes Scotland debut

Eastern Province's Tsotsobe, who made his one-day debut in Perth earlier this month, has yet to make his international bow at Test level.

BBC: Prince left out of S Africa squad