Paulo Bernardo made a strong case for a regular starting spot with an impressive cameo appearance as a substitute in Celtic’s 1-0 win
over Club Brugge last night. While the team as a whole struggled to find their rhythm, the Portuguese midfielder stood out, contributing
more in his brief time on the pitch than any other Celtic midfielder throughout the match. Since his permanent summer move from
Benfica, Bernardo has had to be patient for consistent playing time. However, his performance on the night could well be the
turning point in his bid for a regular role. For many fans, his impact was undeniable, and it’s clear that his form and potential warrant a
starting position in Brendan Rodgers’ midfield. The question now is which player will make way for Bernardo. It seems unlikely that club captain
Callum McGregor will be dropped, meaning the competition will likely come down to either Arne Engels or Reo Hatate.
Engels, still adjusting to life at Celtic after his record-breaking transfer, has shown glimpses of quality but has yet to fully justify his hefty price
tag. Meanwhile, Hatate has been inconsistent this season, though he remains one of the team’s most creative players, offering a unique
dimension in the middle of the park. Brendan Rodgers faces a tough decision, but it’s one he must address as Celtic head into their next
challenge against Ross County this weekend. While squad rotation could help manage tired legs, the need for a tactical rethink in midfield is
clear. Players like Scales, Idah, Valle, Yang, McCowan, and Forrest all present options, but it’s likely that the most significant changes will
come in the midweek clash at Pittodrie, where Rodgers’ choice of midfield trio will come under scrutiny. The expectation is that McGregor,
Bernardo, and one other will form the core of Celtic’s midfield moving forward.