Brendan Rodgers expects Paulo Bernardo to play a part in Celtic's Europa League clash with Braga tomorrow night.
The Portuguese midfielder has been marginalised this season, yet to start a game and making just four appearances from the bench. Two of those were in the Premiership and two were in the Premier Sports Cup.
Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and new signing Benjamin Nygren have been the preferred midfield trio while Arne Engels and Luke McCowan also appear to be ahead of Bernardo in the pecking order.
Asked about the 23-year-old's situation, Rodgers referenced injuries from last season which knocked him from hus rhythm. But the Northern Irishman says the player has been working hard in training and hinted he will have more involvement now he is up to speed.
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"Yes, Paulo will be in the squad," said Rodgers when asked if Bernardo will feature against the side from his homeland.
"He's done very well since he's been here. He has maybe not played as much as what he would have liked. Last year, he had a lot of injuries that kept him out and probably didn't quite have his rhythm.
"However, he has come back in the summer and worked very, very hard. Obviously, there have been one or two other players who have been in front of him, but he's fighting now for his place.
"Now he's up fully in his fitness level, so I expect him to play some part tomorrow."
