The two Celtic fringe players who are struggling for opportunities

Following a hard-fought point against Atlético Madrid, Celtic were suffering from something of a European hangover as they dropped points against Hibs at Easter Road.

The next game against St Mirren at Celtic Park, albeit won, was far from being a vintage performance, either, but the Bhoys got the job done thanks to some starring roles from some of the team’s fringe players.

Odin Thiago Holm, Yang Hyun-jun and Oh Hyeon-gyu made the difference against the Buddies that night, and gave us a timely reminder of what they can contribute from the bench.

Whilst some of the fringe players have been standing up and staking their claim for a starting berth, two others seem to have gone off the radar. The absence of Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke from first-team squads has come as something of a surprise, especially given their positive early starts to life at Celtic, but where have they been and when are we likely to see them back in the hoops?

Maik Nawrocki

The Pole arrived as the most expensive signing of Celtic’s summer transfer window. The 22-year-old was widely regarded as a replacement for Cameron Carter-Vickers’ partner at the heart of Celtic’s defence – Carl Starfelt – following the Swede’s departure to Celta Vigo.

Expectations were high for him to hit the ground running, especially considering the unbreakable partnership that Carter-Vickers and Starfelt had built up, and he was on the correct path to do just that after some impressive early performances. His passing range and recovery pace were looking to be key aspects of his game, with a starring display in a win away at Pittodrie leading to a lot of supporters having confidence in the former Legia Warsaw man’s abilities.

An injury late on in the Viaplay Cup second round exit against Kilmarnock has seriously hampered his progress, however, and he hasn’t been seen in action since.

Gustaf Lagerbielke

The Swede also made a positive start to life at Celtic, featuring in more games than he perhaps expected when he signed from Elfsborg in the Swedish Allsvenskan.

The 23-year-old was thrust into the team for a series of tough matches and he produced some mixed results. He had an impressive display at Ibrox where he and Liam Scales demonstrated the guts and desire required to remain resolute as Celtic ground out a 1-0 win.

There have also been less-than-impressive moments, however, as he was sent off in Rotterdam against Feyenoord in his Champions League debut. It was a disappointing end to his first-team run and he has been rarely-seen since.

How can they break into the team?

The pair have found it hard to break into the side since the return of Cameron Carter-Vickers, coupled by the recent revitalisation of Liam Scales.

If the pair are to break into the starting XI any time soon, then they either need the form levels to drop for either of the two starters or they have to grab at any substitute opportunities afforded to them.

Manager Brendan Rodgers seems to echo that sentiment, as he said that, “It is just a case of keeping chipping away for the players that aren’t in the squad, and for them to continue to work hard. That is all you can do. Work hard, and then see where it takes us. Those players in the background just have to work and be ready for when, and if, an opportunity comes.”

JAMES MCKENZIE // Follow James HERE