Honduras boss Reinado Rueda believes Celtic outcast Luis Palma has had a 'difficult season' as he explained why he dropped him from his team.
Palma will return to Parkhead for pre-season training after a loan spell at Olympiacos didn't work out and the Greek club declined to exercise the £3.3 million buyout clause.
His season went from bad to worse after he was hooked at half time in a 6-0 hammering from Canada in their Gold Cup opener.
Palma is regarded as Honduras' star man, but boss Rueda took the decision to bench him for their second match against El Salvador.
Read more:
-
Shin Yamada avoids transfer question amid Celtic speculation
-
Premier League side 'scout' Celtic star extensively with minimum fee set
And, after they won 2-0, he revealed why Palma was only a sub.
Rueda said: "Luis Palma has had a difficult season through injuries and a lack of playing time.
"Our aim with Luis is to have him ready and fully fit for our vital World Cup qualifiers in September.
"I spoke to him before the tournament and explained this to him so he knows why he is not playing all the time."
