Luis Palma Honduras future hangs in balance as manager addresses bit-part Celtic role

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Luis Palma has struggled for game time within Celtic’s first-team this season.

The winger has had to settle for a bit-part role this term so far with one start from four appearances and cameos in the other three.

The out of favour attacker, 24, has been bombed by Brendan Rodgers with Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn both flourishing on either flank.

And that has been picked up on by his national coach with Honduras, Reinaldo Rueda. The 67-year-old has also froze Palma out of his set-up in recent months.

• READ MORE: The Luis Palma ‘reward’ up for grabs at Celtic after Brendan Rodgers’ comments on his situation

The playmaker was not involved for either clash against French Guiana or Jamaica and instead spent his time playing with the Hoops’ squad who made a short trip to Ireland for friendly football against Sligo Rovers.

Palma hit a hattrick and was the star of the show during the game to which manager Rodgers pointed out was one of his starring performances with his comments.

And Rueda explained how Palma would have to make a serious effort to get back into the Celts’ starting lineup if he is to stand a chance of being called back into the squad.

Luis Palma was not involved for Honduras against Jamaica or French Guiana

Speaking to La Prensa, Rueda revealed he had been keeping an eye on Palma as he hinted that the player will have to continue to make good on the promise from Sligo and push his way into Rodgers’ plans if he is to be called up by the coach again.

He said: “Luis Palma, luckily, played in a friendly match and got some minutes.

“We hope he continues to have more participation with his team and he will then be considered.”

Palma, during his year-and-a-half at Parkhead so far has managed 40 appearances overall and, during those outings, has 10 goals and the same number of assists in that time.

Palma’s Celtic stats include a goal vs Atletico Madrid in the Champions League

He has also shown he is capable of doing the business on the grand stage with a goal to his name in the Champions League group stage against Atletico Madrid.

Palma had a strike disallowed against Lazio last season, too, and netted vs Feyenoord as his maiden campaign in Glasgow went well before he was benched this term.