Andy Walker says the perception of on-loan Benfica star Paulo Bernardo has changed at Celtic

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Paulo Bernardo is going from strength to strength in Celtic colours.

It goes to show what a few starts, some confidence and a goal can do to a player because he is looking like the real deal.

At one point in the season, Brendan Rodgers was handing more minutes to Paulo Bernardo in the Champions League than in the Scottish Premiership, which seemed confusing.

But those back-to-back defeats for Celtic in the league proved to be a blessing in disguise for the midfielder because it pushed him back into the starting XI.

And now Andy Walker thinks Paulo Bernardo has earned a ‘new level of respect’ at Parkhead, as he told Go Radio.

He feels the perception of the playmaker has changed within a week and it was aided by his goal for Celtic during the 2-1 win over Rangers last week.

Not forgetting his two assists during the recent win at St Mirren and his goal at Dundee – Scott Brown thinks he has now put himself in the ‘shop window’.

All in all, things are looking on the up for the player and he has timed his form perfectly following the return of Reo Hatate from injury.

The perception of Paulo Bernardo at Celtic

“I thought he was terrific,” said Walker about Bernardo’s display against Rangers. “I think it’s the type of goal that makes everyone, just the perception of him, he is given a new level of respect.

“Much of the same, what are Celtic getting with Reo Hatate when he signed? And then he scored two goals against Rangers in February when Celtic won 3-0, the perception of him immediately changed. Here is a guy who can play football. That can play really good passes. But he can score goals on the big occasions and lead the team. 

“I think that’s what you are getting with Bernardo. When you look at the two he is playing alongside in the middle of the park. Arguably two of Celtic’s best players this season.”

Celtic go into the break in strong form

These past few weeks have been mood-lifting from the team and encouraging that the players won’t slip up in the title race this season.

There is no doubt that there is a race on, but the hope is that Celtic’s worst form of the season is now all in the past.

Aided with Rodgers getting comfortable in his seat again, new signings this month and injured players returning, then there is no reason why the team can’t spark it up for the second half of the campaign.