Time for Paulo Bernardo to step up and play Matt O’Riley’s position

Time for Paulo to step up and show his worth as Matt O’Riley’s replacement in the Celtic starting eleven at Paisley tomorrow…

Matt O’Riley will soon be a Brighton player and as the old saying goes ‘life must go on’ and so it does as we have a crucial game with St Mirren at Paisley tomorrow afternoon.

With no Matt in the starting line up it’s extremely likely that Paulo Bernardo will get the nod as his replacement.

Paulo of course signed for the club permanently after a decent loan spell last season, so he’s hardly an unknown quantity. The former Benfica man and Portuguese under 21 captain is a talented player and has the potential to become even better. He’s maybe not at the same level as Matt, but he can get there especially under the guidance of a quality manager in Brendan Rodgers.

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Paulo showed in glimpses last season what he is capable of, but was maybe a little inconsistent in his performances.

That was understandable considering he was just new to the club and our football, while playing alongside the likes of Reo, Callum and Matt meant he was perhaps a bit overshadowed.

This season there is no excuses whatsoever, and Paulo will have to hit the ground running, starting tomorrow at Paisley. Paulo is a good player and I’ve every confidence he can do just that.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

4 Comments

    • Absolutely not. He’s not in the same league as O’Riley but more than, that he’s a completely different type of player. If anything he’s more aligned to McGregor than O’Riley in terms of style.

      Just because they look a bit alike doesn’t mean he can replace him!

  1. Bernardo actually has a better pedigree than O’Riley when he first arrived here. He has a lot of drive and his contribution in the Cup Final is under-estimated. Every confidence he will do well for Celtic.