The latest on Paulo Bernardo ahead of big Celtic push

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Paulo Bernardo has continued his Portugal under-21 national team starting streak after featuring against Greece on Monday.

Bernardo has now started in five consecutive games for his national side since joining Celtic in September, playing the full 90 minutes in their most recent encounter.

Despite finding game time at Celtic limited so far this season, only starting in three games, Bernardo continues to prove himself within the Portugal set-up. The Celtic midfielder also scored last month for his national side against Belarus in a 6-1 win.

Celtic fans have yet to see the best of Bernardo so far this season, but over the next month with a fixture pileup in December, Bernardo will have the chance to make a serious push into Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

One way he can boost those chances over the next few weeks is by contributing to goals, as he has yet to score or assist for Celtic. Despite this, Bernardo appears to be Rodgers’ third central midfielder in Europe, alongside Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley.

This possibly suggests he is more suited to retaining possession and breaking up play in midfield against elite opposition than breaking down resolute defences domestically.

Bernardo previously spoke about what Jota told him before his move from Benfica to Celtic and how his prediction came true. The Hoops midfielder also revealed that he is aiming to stay at Celtic for the long term despite no assurances over his future at the club.

If Bernardo aims to secure a permanent deal with Celtic in the summer, including the £1.5 million option to buy fee at the end of his loan deal, he must establish himself as a first-team regular, competing with players like David Turnbull, Odin Thiago Holm, and Reo Hatate.

Rodgers has shown a preference for Turnbull against Scottish teams, which means Bernardo must demonstrate more in training and capitalise on game time when given the chance.

The Hoops play two games a week throughout the entire month of December, including crucial fixtures against Lazio, Feyenoord, and Rangers.

Undoubtedly, Bernardo will want to be a part of these games and show that he is up to the standard needed to become a trusted member of the starting eleven.