Celtic recently secured their place in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals after a dramatic match against Falkirk. The game showcased several fringe players attempting to make their mark, but not all succeeded. Among them was Luis Palma, who has struggled to find his footing in the team this season.
Despite Celtic’s strong performance in the Champions League, where they triumphed over Slovan Bratislava 5-1, Palma’s lack of opportunities has raised concerns about his future at the club. The Honduran winger, a £3.5 million signing from last summer, has found it difficult to establish a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers made significant changes to his squad for the Falkirk match, introducing several players, including Palma, but the team faced a challenging first half, trailing 2-1 at halftime. After realizing the gravity of the situation, Rodgers made four substitutions, which ultimately turned the game around, leading to a 5-2 victory for Celtic.
Former footballer Michael Stewart expressed skepticism about Palma’s prospects at Celtic, highlighting the tough competition for places within the squad. With players like Daizen Maeda and veteran winger James Forrest consistently starting ahead of him, Stewart suggested that Palma might be on the move in January if he cannot improve his performance.
Stewart stated, “For Luis Palma, I’m struggling to see how he’s going to be able to make his way back because the competition is tough. I wouldn’t be surprised come January if he was being moved on elsewhere.”
In contrast, Celtic forward Adam Idah has been making strides in his role, forming a bond with fellow striker Kyogo. Idah emphasizes the importance of scoring goals, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench. He stated, “I’ve got a job to do, and that is to score goals. It doesn’t really matter in my head whether I start or I’m on the bench.”
Both Idah and Kyogo share a friendly rivalry, pushing each other to excel on the pitch. Idah acknowledged Kyogo’s talent, noting that he looks up to him as a role model and that their competition is beneficial for the team.
As the January transfer window approaches, Palma’s position at Celtic remains uncertain. With the level of competition and his recent performance, the club might have to reconsider their options regarding the young winger.