Celtic’s Paulo Bernardo delivers class Instagram message after scoring for Portugal Under-21’s

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Celtic fans will be relieved to know that the international break is over and club football resumes this weekend.

Brendan Rodgers’ men travel to Livingston on Sunday, which will give the Bhoys a chance to maintain their lead at the Scottish Premiership summit heading into the Glasgow Derby.

Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Liam Scales are among the bodies that may return for the tie, alongside those who were involved for their respective countries over the last week or so.

Alistair Johnston, Daizen Maeda and Anthony Ralston all gained minutes on duty; meanwhile, Paulo Bernardo excelled in his captaincy role for Portugal’s Under-21 side against Croatia last night, scoring the fourth goal in a 5-1 rout at Estadio de Sao Luis by directing a left-footed volley past Nikola Cavlina [ESPN].

Of course, there is plenty of speculation over the loanee’s long-term future at Parkhead, with reports from Portugal suggesting that his buyout stipulation stands at around £6.4 million.

Benfica would inherit 30% of any future sale; however, there hasn’t been an update since, and it remains to be seen whether Celtic would be willing to shell out a significant fee or if they would try to re-negotiate his price in the event of any permanent pursuit.

Either way, it is positive to see Bernardo get on the scoresheet for Portugal’s Under-21s ahead of the title run-in, where he will be keen to add to his three goals and two assists in 25 appearances for Celtic [Transfermarkt].

Celtic’s Paulo Bernardo takes to Instagram after Croatia victory

Portugal have been imperious in UEFA EURO 2025 Under-21 qualifying and moved on to 18 points from seven matches in Group G ahead of the finals in Slovakia next summer [UEFA].

Now, Bernardo has taken to Instagram following his goalscoring exploits, delivering a class message that simply read through translation ‘Great win to end the stage in the right way!’ (followed by a muscle emoji, football emoji, and a Portugal flag).

Bernardo’s Celtic form has been inconsistent over the last few weeks, though we can take encouragement from his performance against Croatia on international duty, which will hopefully give the 22-year-old some confidence ahead of his return to Lennoxtown.

His talent is clear for all to see; however, it is up to Rodgers and company to unlock his full potential over the remaining games this season.