Alexandro Bernabei made his first start for Celtic this season and his first start for manager Brendan Rodgers, at home to Ross County on Saturday afternoon.
Left-back Greg Taylor is currently out injured with a calf problem and is expected to be missing for several weeks.
That sparked competition for his place on the flank. Contenders included Liam Scales and youngster Mitchel Frame, or perhaps even one of the right-backs such as Anthony Ralston.
However, Rodgers opted to turn to the little-seen Argentinian Bernabei, retaining Scales in central defence alongside the returning Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Brendan Rodgers on Alexandro Bernabei Celtic start
Speaking pre-match, the Bhoys boss explained to BBC Radio Scotland that while there is a “brutal honesty” about his Celtic situation, Bernabei has nonetheless impressed in training.
Rodgers said when asked why the defender was included: “We’ve got players that can play the position but I think just for his balance of being left-sided.
“I think he hasn’t had his best time here, that’s the brutal honesty of it. I just asked him to play in the games like what I’ve seen from him in training at times.
“He’s aggressive, he’s quick but he needs to serve the ball with precision a little better. He has qualities, that’s why he was signed. He’s a guy who can hopefully show his best form because in training I’ve seen lots of good qualities from him. Greg Taylor has played at a really, really good level consistently.
“Bernabei gives us balance on that side of the field being naturally left-footed and he can be aggressive going forward. Hopefully, he can do well.”
Bernabei has been one of the big contenders to leave the club during the winter transfer window given his lack of minutes so far under Rodgers. However, Taylor’s injury may well have changed that.
Even if Celtic sign another left-back in the closing days of the window, Bernabei could be needed for cover while the Bhoys wait on Taylor’s return.
The chances of him being a long-term option for Celtic are slim at this point, but Bernabei could well get a run in the team that boosts his confidence and unlocks a bit of form.
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