Manager clarifies Paulo Bernardo’s situation at Celtic

The former Benfica academy product has found opportunities limited this season at the Hoops, featuring only four times across all competitions.

This evening’s Europa League clash with Braga offers Bernardo the prospect of meeting opposition he knows well from his time in Portuguese football.

In his media duties at Celtic Park yesterday afternoon, Rodgers revealed that Bernardo will be in the squad and could play a part in the encounter.

Speaking at yesterday’s media conference at Celtic Park via Celtic’s official YouTube channel, the Irishman said: “Yes, Paulo will be in the squad. He’s done very well since he’s been here. He has maybe not played as much as what he would have liked. Last year, he had a lot of injuries that kept him out and probably didn’t quite have his rhythm.”

“However, he has come back in the summer and worked very, very hard. Obviously, there have been one or two other players who have been in front of him, but he’s fighting now for his place. Now he’s up fully in his fitness level, so I expect him to play some part tomorrow.”

Bernardo arrived at Celtic on loan from Benfica in 2023, going on to feature 33 times during Rodgers’ first campaign after returning to the club that summer.

Following an impressive loan spell that featured quality performances in derby matches against theRangers, Celtic secured his services permanently on a five-year deal from Benfica.

Injury issues disrupted any consistency he could find last season, but he still managed to feature 37 times across all competitions for the Scottish champions.

Bernardo has not had the minutes he would have wanted during this campaign so far, but with Rodgers yet to find a functional midfield three this season, he could be given an opportunity over the next couple of weeks and after the international break. Only time will tell.

Conor Spence

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