Paulo Bernardo details how Celtic silverware last term can fuel cup final fire this weekend

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Paulo Bernardo has played a key part in two Celtic success stories since his arrival and will hope to be front and centre on Sunday against Rangers.

The Portugal Under-21 international arrived permanently from Benfica on a £3.5 million deal back in the summer and hasn’t looked back since making the Parkhead switch.

This campaign, Paulo Bernardo has registered three goals and two assists in 23 appearances across all competitions, excelling in both boxes due to his industrious nature.

Brendan Rodgers has a decision to make on whether the 22-year-old gets the nod over Arne Engels in the engine room this weekend as the Bhoys look to claim trophy glory against Rangers.

With the Premier Sports Cup at stake, Bernardo has spoken ahead of the tie and how he believes past glories can fuel the fire for further success.

Paulo Bernardo looks ahead to cup final collision course

Speaking ahead of Celtic’s clash against Rangers this weekend, Bernardo admits that his part in winning the first two trophies of his career last term has simply enhanced his desire to claim more silverware in Scotland.

He stated: “When I arrived, Celtic already wasn’t in the competition, so I didn’t have a taste for it, but I have now and I want to win another trophy for this club.”

On last season: “It was very good, like I said, those are very good memories from last year. This year is a different year. It’s a different final, a different game, so (we) look forward to that game and (I’m) excited to be part of that.

Lastly, he added: “It’s in the past, it’s memories, so it was (some) very good memories, but it’s already there in the past, and we need to focus on the present and be ready for the future.”

Celtic ready to focus their attention on cup glory

Earlier today, Rodgers revealed Alistair Johnston is fit for Celtic against Rangers despite the Canadian being withdrawn at half-time against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday evening.

There was concerns over his availability after he missed training at Lennoxtown, but he is now back in contention for a start at Hampden.

Other than that, Celtic have a clean bill of health as they aim to secure the first available silverware of the season.

The stage is set for the Bhoys to prove why Callum McGregor deserves to be on the podium. Now, it is about seizing their opportunity.