Brendan Rodgers suggests summer signing is about to get his first real opportunity at Celtic

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The news that Reo Hatate will be out for several weeks at Celtic is far from ideal.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed that news in a press conference today, with the Bhoys still waiting on his hamstring injury’s full extent.

It felt like the Japanese midfielder was hitting his stride before exiting the Atletico Madrid match early on Wednesday night with impressive performances against Kilmarnock and Hearts.

However, Celtic do have good depth in midfield and Hatate’s absence will mean that others will get a big chance to string together consistent form.

Paulo Bernardo set to make first Celtic start

Portuguese talent Bernardo is the most obvious candidate to fill in for Hatate while he’s out. He was the player chosen to come into the game against Atletico mid-week and performed well in his longest outing for the Bhoys yet.

Signed from Benfica on a loan-to-buy basis in the summer, he’s yet to make a start for Celtic, but Brendan Rodgers has indicated he is certainly in the running to feature heavily over the coming weeks.

The Bhoys boss said today [Celtic TV]: “It’s always disappointing when players are missing and players of that quality. But our strength is our team. Paulo comes in to make his longest appearance and I thought he coped very, very well.

“We have a number of young players that can step up if Reo is going to be out for a period of time. What it always does is it presents an opportunity for the guys who are working very hard to come in and play.

“For any player, whoever it is coming in, without forcing it you want them to make the impact. I don’t want them to feel big pressure that this is the only chance they’re going to get but take the opportunity when it comes.

“Paulo certainly did that the other night. He worked very, very hard and in a high-level game showed quality, and had that bit of bite in midfield. I thought he did very well.”

Bernardo put in a big shift on Wednesday night so Rodgers may well feel it’s time for Odin Thiago Holm or David Turnbull to get a chance away to Hibernian on Saturday.

However, the Portuguese star is earning the trust of the manager. His first start and a potential run of games are only just around the corner now. We’re about to see what he is really made of.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano delivers big verdict on Matt O’Riley’s transfer worth after Celtic vs Atletico.