Alistair Johnston shares how the Celtic dressing room has reacted to the signing of Paulo Bernardo

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Celtic made their third summer signing this week after eventually making Paulo Bernardo’s move from Benfica permanent.

The Portuguese midfielder was a hit at Celtic last season after helping to guide the club to a league and Scottish Cup double.

And now, after a summer of negotiations with Benfica, Paulo Bernardo is a permanent Celt and Alistair Johnston has shared how the Parkhead dressing room has reacted to Brendan Rodgers finally getting his man.

Celtic teammates ‘excited’ to have Paulo Bernardo back

Bernardo was key to Celtic’s successes last season after scoring against Rangers in the league and creating Adam Idah’s Scottish Cup winner against the Ibrox club at Hampden.

And now back at Celtic, the new signing has given the Parkhead dressing room a boost ahead of today’s league opener against Kilmarnock.

Johnston said [Daily Record], “Paulo is a great guy. Super chilled. Portuguese to a tee in that sense. We’re excited to have him back again because he’s a quality player.

“Last season, he scored some pretty big goals in some pretty big matches. I can remember the one at home at Celtic Park against Rangers. Also in the cup final, he set up Ads’ winner.

“He’s still a young player and he’s got plenty of growth still in his game. We’re excited that he’s going to be spending the next five years here with us. It’s a really positive sign.”

Bernardo positivity should drive Celtic on Flag Day

Kilmarnock has proven to be a bit of a thorn in Celtic’s side last season and despite being at home, Derek McInnes’ side will be a tough nut to crack today.

With the excitement of Flag Day building with the Celtic supporters and the players, the added bonus of having Bernardo back with the team and the positivity that has been created behind the scenes should help drive Rodgers’ team to a winning start.

With Rangers dropping points at Tynecastle yesterday afternoon, Rodgers and Celtic have the perfect opportunity to lay down an early marker in the defence of the Scottish Premiership title.