Martin O’Neill clears up Paulo Bernardo situation amid lack of Celtic game time

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Martin O’Neill’s return to Celtic has been an enjoyable time for most.

For supporters, spirits have been lifted (on matchdays, at least) after Brendan Rodgers left the club under a cloud following a poor start to the season.

For players such as Johnny Kenny, Auston Trusty and Callum Osmand, there has been a significant upturn in fortunes.

But this hasn’t been the case for everyone. There have been questions over Paulo Bernardo’s future, with his place in the pecking order seemingly far behind.

O’Neill was asked about this at what may be his final pre-match press conference at Celtic.

Martin O’Neill addresses Paulo Bernardo’s Celtic situation

Bernardo was, at one point, a key player for the side under Rodgers.

But, rightly or wrongly, he is not currently getting as many minutes as much as a player with his ability should be.

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O’Neill, speaking ahead of his apparent farewell, assured the press that Bernardo’s opportunity will eventually come.

He said: “There are a couple of lads here that haven’t had a chance under me in the number of weeks that I’ve been here. If I had been here for a length of time then they would do.

“Michel-Ange Balikwisha, for instance, hasn’t had a chance and Paulo Bernardo hasn’t really had an opportunity.

“In weeks to come, other players will play, because there’s no respite. You’re playing every single midweek. So all of these players will play. Then it’s up to them to see how they do.

“They may well flourish under the new manager.”

Different managers tend to use different players, so Bernardo and Michel-Ange Balikwisha could be more fancied by Wilfried Nancy. Who knows.

But if not, there could be some movement in January – Celtic are linked with Kilmarnock’s David Watson, with other midfielders’ names being raised.

Paulo Bernardo’s Celtic career

Bernardo has made 70 appearances since joining Celtic on an initial loan in 2023, averaging a goal every ten games.

His game time has often been a curious case. He appeared in all six of the Hoops’ Champions League group stage games in his first season, despite not even making the squad in some league fixtures.

He earned a permanent move with his winter form, and began his second season with a man-of-the-match display against Rangers.

However, the arrivals of Luke McCowan and Arne Engels have complicated things. It’s a nice problem for Celtic to have, but could cause Bernardo to consider his future.