Luis Palma has become a peripheral figure at Celtic this season under Brendan Rodgers despite putting up some promising numbers in his first year at Parkhead.
The Honduran international has featured just seven times, mainly as a substitute, and is yet to record a goal contribution in 183 minutes of competitive football.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Celtic’s Luis Palma is attracting interest from MLS clubs after finding it difficult to convince Rodgers that he is worthy of a regular first-team berth.
Despite his lack of game time, Palma scored a hat-trick for the Bhoys against Sligo Rovers in October after putting club over country during the international break, demonstrating his willing attitude.
Nevertheless, he hasn’t been in the picture this season, leading Brendan Rodgers to respond to questions over his future.
Brendan Rodgers addresses Luis Palma’s Celtic future
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s trip to Aberdeen, Rodgers poured cold water on reports that Palma could be set for a move elsewhere when questioned on the subject.
He stated: “I haven’t seen anything on that; there’s nothing really to comment on. Luis hasn’t played a great deal of late, but as I said, he’s still a part of this squad; there’s nothing else more.
“He’s a good guy; it’s been difficult for him. Players have come into his position where he’s played, and he’s doing really well. If you look at the goal return of Daizen Maeda this year, the pressing, all that side of it, and then he was out for a few weeks injured, then Yang comes in and does really well.
“He’s working hard every day, he’s a good guy, he’s well-liked within the squad. Of course, I can only pick a certain amount of players, but he will continue to work and might get the opportunity as we go along.”
Luis Palma will have to wait for his Celtic opportunity
Despite putting up ten goals and as many assists last campaign, Palma has found his chances of breaking into the Celtic first-team this term becoming increasingly remote under Rodgers.
Form in the wide berths has been a driving factor behind his reality, but to his credit, the Honduras international hasn’t agitated for minutes and has his head down working incase an opportunity comes along.
Celtic will utilise their squad over the festive period, likely providing some openings for fringe stars to stake their claim.
However, he has work to do if there is any chance of a Celtic redemption arc. Come the January transfer window, you get the impression his future could be a topic that crops up in conversation once again.
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