Celtic winger Luis Palma made his first start of the season against Falkirk last Sunday as the Bhoys progressed to the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup.
In the cold light of day, he wasn’t overly convincing on the left flank and found himself withdrawn for Hyunjun Yang at around the hour mark as the Bhoys turned around a deficit to claim a 5-2 victory.
Right now, Palma looks like a player at odds with the requirements of Brendan Rodgers’ high-intensity system. Realistically, he isn’t even necessarily to blame for that; his profile is just starkly different from other options on either side.
Michael Stewart believes the Honduras international could be sold in January. However, it is important not to draw definitive conclusions on matters, a lot can change over the next few months.
Luis Palma at Celtic and the importance of the next few months
Firstly, it should be noted that Celtic rejected approaches for Palma in the summer from Bundesliga and Ligue 1 clubs.
Whether that was due to having little time to source a replacement late on in the window or not remains undisclosed. Either way, it is almost irrelevant as he is still on the books at the club.
Following ten goals and ten assists last campaign, there was hope in pre-season that Palma may begin to kick on, but he has received just 106 minutes to make an impact in.
Admittedly, he isn’t close to being a first-choice right now. His performance against Falkirk left a lot to be desired; there is no doubt about that.
However, the notion that Palma is now somehow finished in Glasgow is a little bit reactive. From this Saturday onwards, Celtic don’t have another one-game week until midway through December.
Despite speculation, the Bhoys didn’t move for a winger during the window, leaving Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda, James Forrest, Hyunjun Yang and Palma as their options. Between now and the festive period, rotation and niggles are likely to occur, which will stretch squad depth.
Whether people like it or not, and there are valid arguments for every perspective, Palma has a part to play; what that resembles remains to be seen.
Hopefully, he can kick on and show people what he still has to offer. When his chance comes, he needs to take it, that much is certain.
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