Brendan Rodgers watched his Celtic side maul Aberdeen last night.
The Hoops battered the Dons convincingly, 5-1, in Scottish Premiership action thanks to a Daizen Maeda brace and goals from Jota, Callum McGregor and Yang.
It was a comprehensive win for Celtic who took a 16-point lead at the summit of the division with Rangers still to play their game in hand away to Kilmarnock this evening.
Rodgers‘ side took their foot off the gas to an extent as the fixture wound down and that allowed the manager to make changes.
And one of those substitutions in particular was a personal milestone for young midfielder Jude Bonnar.
What Brendan Rodgers told Jude Bonnar before Celtic debut
The 19-year-old replaced standout Arne Engels with around 10 minutes of the action to go and, at full-time, he described his cameo appearance as a “dream come true” and one he has been working towards since he joined the club as a kid.
And he explained how manager Rodgers’ words of wisdom resonated with him before he stepped out onto the pitch while thanking the Irishman for having the faith in him to make that walk.
“I’m just grateful the manager has trusted me enough to step on the pitch to play well.
“He just said enjoy it and make sure you’re focused, so just enjoy it.”
What Bonnar has said about breaking into Celtic first-team
Bonnar has been on the bench for the Hoops a number of times this season having played 20 times for the B team and chipped in with five goals in that space of time.
His first-team outing, though, proves his hard work has paid off.
That won’t end his efforts for more game time at Celtic Park with the big Bhoys, however, as he wants more experiences alongside the main squad who have shown him what it takes in recent times.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Bonnar told Celtic TV. “It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was wee. So just getting the call up and being able to come on is just class.
“It’s crazy, you know, training with them, being up recently every day, just seeing what they’re all about, and then being amongst it just makes you feel class.
“It just motivates me even more, especially training with them, the quality of them, being able to keep up. It’s just a good confidence boost.
“They were unreal, they don’t stop so it makes it easier coming on with the pace they’re playing at. It’s hard to break the other team down but it makes it easier with how good they’re playing.”
Bonnar is contracted to Celtic until 2026 so hopefully we do see more of the young man this season and beyond.
Rodgers, meanwhile, will be hoping he heeds the same advice the boss gave Daniel Cummings regarding having patience to break into his set-up.
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