Brendan Rodgers insists Paulo Bernardo has been given a "nice opportunity" to perform for Celtic against Braga.
The midfielder comes into the starting XI for the second league phase matchday in the Europa League.
Bernardo faced a spell on the sidelines last season and has had limited involvement so far this term.
"He will have played with and against those players," said Rodgers on TNT of Bernardo starting against Braga.
"He has probably not had the opportunities this season that he would have liked.
"Unfortunately for Paulo, last year he was out injured quite a bit.
"But he played some game time towards the end of the season.
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"He has been working really hard to get himself up to a good level, has made an impact when he has come into games, and tonight is a nice opportunity for him against a team from his home country.
Colby Donovan has also been included in the starting XI, with the young full-back playing ahead of Anthony Ralston this evening.
Rodgers is confident the impressive starlet will continue to impress for the club.
"He has done extremely well and is a player I really like," Rodgers said, discussing Donovan's inclusion in the starting line-up on Thursday evening.
"I gave him recovery at the weekend.
"I trust in the young players, it will be great for him to play here at Celtic Park, and I expect him to perform really well."
CELTIC XI: Schmeichel, Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Bernardo, Nygren, Maeda, Tounekti, Iheanacho.
Subs: Sinisalo, Trusty, Balikwisha, Yang, McCowan, Kenny, Engels, Saracchi, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Ralston.
