Arne Engels and the quality he can bring to the Champions League table for Celtic

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The dust is settling on Celtic’s victory over Heart of Midlothian last weekend and Arne Engels made a lasting impression on his full debut.

Starting ahead of Paulo Bernardo, the Belgium international got himself on the scoresheet from the spot, prompting Brendan Rodgers to praise his athleticism and ability to work selflessly for the side in midfield.

Despite his positive start, it will take Engels time to settle into life fully in Glasgow. Arriving for a record £11 million fee, his age and potential to develop need to be factored into any discussion surrounding his scope for an immediate impact.

Nevertheless, he was constantly involved for Celtic in what turned out to be a pleasing afternoon last Saturday, where the Bhoys kept themselves in the driving seat.

Turning the focus to Europe, Rodgers will rely on Engels as the Bhoys aim to win points in the Champions League.

Arne Engels and the Champions League factor for Celtic

Make no mistake, Engels has been brought in to impact the European stage. You don’t shell out on record signings and not expect them to deliver under the lights at Celtic Park.

Rodgers sounded the bell loud and clear regarding ‘quality additions’, who, by definition, are players who possess a high level of pedigree that enables them to come in and forge their way into the starting line-up instantaneously.

With Slovan Bratislava next up on Wednesday, excitement has reached fever pitch over the potential for the Bhoys to claim maximum points in their opening fixture in the new Swiss-style format.

The time for new heroes at Celtic is now, and you get the impression Engels will be given a bite of the cherry on the biggest stage to show himself in their hunt for three points.

Now a full Belgian international, he was brought in from a top-five European league and has the potential to develop into a star in Glasgow.

Nights like Wednesday will be crucial for expanding his profile at the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, and so will other evenings throughout Celtic’s involvement in Europe.

Should Engels step up to the plate against Bratislava, he will provide the perfect evidence to why Rodgers was determined to make sure his wish to make a statement of intent in the transfer market didn’t fall on deaf ears.