Watch: Celtic summer signing scores first goal since joining loan club, helps to secure draw

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Celtic have endured a frustrating time of things in the transfer market since Brendan Rodgers returned to Parkhead last summer.

All too often, the Bhoys’ squad has resembled a group that is full of quantity; however, the ‘quality’ that Rodgers has repeatedly asked for hasn’t been present on too many occasions.

The Irishman indicated back in December that his ideal number of players to work with would sit at around the 25-man mark.

He elaborated, stating: “Ideally we’d have a squad of 25 players, 22 with three goalkeepers. In which case, there will also be an opportunity for young players to come through, as that’s always my first look.”

In January, this vision began to bear reflection, with the likes of Hyeokkyu Kwon, Mikey Johnston and David Turnbull forming part of a squad cull at Parkhead.

Marco Tilio also departed late on in the mid-season window, heading back to Melbourne City for the remainder of the campaign despite only moving to Glasgow last summer for a fee of £1.5 million.

Speaking after sealing a temporary move to AAMI Park, the 22-year-old explained why he believed it would be right at this stage of his career.

Tilio said: “I had an opportunity to come back and to give back to the Club that nurtured me and brought me here as a young player, that gave me every opportunity and helped me grow and I can only thank them for the time I had here before, and I want to hopefully repay them in this time here now.”

Celtic loanee Marco Tilio nets first goal back at Melbourne City

Tilio was a key player in his first spell at Melbourne City, registering 20 goals and 19 assists in 81 appearances across all competitions and winning three A-League Men titles [Transfermarkt].

The Hurstville-born man is now proving his worth once again and scored his first goal earlier today to help the City Boys secure a 1-1 draw away to Sydney FC, latching on to a long ball from goalkeeper Jamie Young before brilliantly jinking past his marker to slot home in the 81st minute.

It is unclear whether his long-term future lies at Celtic; nevertheless, seeing Tilio playing with confidence following a difficult few months at Parkhead is encouraging.

Now starting to make a telling impact, the Australia international was also awarded the Player of the Match award for his display, providing Rodgers with some food for thought.