Scott Brown explains why Paulo Bernardo has put himself in the ‘shop window’ at Celtic

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Celtic started 2024 with a bang by seeing off St Mirren in an emphatic fashion to continue the club’s recent strong form.

After beating Rangers on Saturday, the Bhoys backed it up by seeing off St Mirren yesterday and ensuring destiny is in the team’s hands when it comes to the title.

Paulo Bernardo was once again doing the talking in the final third with Celtic, with Scott Brown praising the midfielder’s performance.

The former captain also felt that Matt O’Riley, who scored the second goal of the night, shone brightly after he made his 100th appearance for the club, as he told Sky Sports Football (02/01/23 at 7:05 pm). 

He labelled the Denmark international as ‘exceptional’, but thinks someone like Paulo Bernardo has now made Brendan Rodgers think twice with his team selection. 

With Reo Hatate back in action, you would assume that he would want to take his place back in the XI.

But Scott Brown feels the on-loan Benfica star has ‘put himself in the shop window’ for the manager and he now has something to think about.

Paulo Bernardo and Matt O’Riley

“He (O’Riley) has been fantastic since coming to the club,” said Brown. “He has been here, what almost two years. He has 100 games, it is exceptional.”

On Bernardo: “He has taken his chance. When somebody is out injured, if you’re not there to go and take it by showing the manager what you have got. He has scored (recently) and assisted (against St Mirren) yet again.

“For me, he has put himself in the shop window for the manager and it’s always going to be hard. At Celtic, it’s a huge club and you need those players to be on their game week in and week out. And that’s what he has done.”

Paulo Bernardo deserves to keep his place

Look, Rodgers should just stick with the young lad. At the end of the day, he is improving by the game and showcasing why he deserves to be in the XI.

So, why change it? Plus, it needs to be noted that Bernardo is on-loan and Celtic have an option to buy him in the summer. This is him proving his worth.

Saying that, keeping someone like Hatate out of the XI is just outrageous, so this is going to be a difficult one for Rodgers when Premiership action returns in full flow again.