3 Celts to look out for during the international break

The international break is a very divisive time for football fans, with some loving it and some hating it.

Fans are so devoted to following their club that any break from the action, especially so soon after the summer break, can often feel like an intrusion.

Plenty of Celts will be in action, as 11 players will be looking to shine on the international stage, representing nations in Europe, Asia and the CONCACAF.

If you are looking for your Celtic fix over the next week and a bit then here are 3 things to keep an eye on during the international break.

Paulo Bernardo’s game time for Portugal U-21s

Paulo Bernardo signed for Celtic on loan from Benfica on deadline day and Celtic have an option to buy as part of that deal.

Comparisons to Celtic’s latest Portuguese success story immediately arose and Bernardo will be looking to make a similar impact.

Much like Jota, Bernardo has yet to make a big impact in his still fledgling footballing career. In recent years, Celtic has provided a platform for players who have a point to prove. For Bernardo to hit the ground running at his new club, game time for the Portugal U21s over the break will be key for him to get up to speed ahead of a busy few weeks.

There will be very little room for a transition period, especially given the vast amount of options Celtic have competing for places in the middle of the park.

Getting some minutes and putting in some decent performances over the break will go a long way in helping Bernardo get started at Parkhead.

Liel Abada to step out of Jota’s shadow

After Jota’s departure for Al-Ittihad in the summer, a lot of pressure was going to be on Abada to step up in an effort to replace the impact and quality Jota brought to the team. So far Abada hasn’t quite hit the required heights, having a quiet start to the season so far.

Callum McGregor maintaining his form

Fans will most likely be keeping a keen eye on the Scotland national teams’ fixtures over the next two weeks with games against Cyprus and England coming up.

Captain Callum McGregor has had a slow start to the season as he didn’t look himself in the opening fixtures, the defeat to Kilmarnock in particular. However, McGregor looked closer to his best as he returned to form at the perfect time for Celtic against Rangers at Ibrox.

The 30-year-old is exactly the type of player who can step up and rise to the big occasion and he will no doubt be ready for the visit of rivals England to Hampden Park.

With the Champions League campaign coming up and a trip to Rotterdam to face Feyenoord just weeks away, a consistent run of good performances for McGregor heading into those fixtures will be vital for Celtic and there would be no better way to build momentum than a good performance against England.

JAMES MCKENZIE