Martin O’Neill has opened up on Paulo Bernardo’s struggles for game time in a Celtic shirt. The Portuguese midfielder has fallen out of the first team picture at Celtic Park with many predicting that he will move on in the summer.
Speaking at Friday’s media conference, O’Neill has asked about the 24-year-old and admitted Bernardo has been unfortunate to be behind Callum McGregor and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the manager’s plans.
“He’s one of a number of lads who I think have been really unfortunate,” O’Neill explained.
“Paulo’s probably best as a No. 6 and we’ve got the captain in there.
“Alex can play that role too. Paulo played in a European game for us and did really fine. He’s been unlucky.
“You could say the same about Balikwisha – he’s not started matches. If I’m not here, those lads could end up starring for a new manager.”
It is perhaps unfair on Bernardo to lump him in with Balikwisha as the Celtic support have seen the midfield in action and at his best; however, O’Neill’s conclusion that another manager may fancy the pair is probably right. The only issue is that Bernardo may already see himself moving on this summer, even if he has a contract until 2029.
Bernardo switched agents last month in the most obvious indication that he was eyeing the Celtic Park exit. Signed initially on loan from Benfica, Bernardo has made 97 appearances for Celtic, scoring 7 goals and assisting 7 times. It remains to be seen whether he will make it to 100 apps for Celtic, given he has fallen out of the first team picture of late.
O’Neill has given Bernardo just 11 appearances and he’s been steady, albeit somewhat rusty given his lack of minutes. It has always been hoped that he would really kick on and cement his place in the midfield.
