PAULO BERNARDO has revealed he asked former Celtic team-mate Luis Palma for advice before he agreed to a season-long loan at Gornik Zabrze.
The Honduran international winger played for Lech Poznan during a temporary deal last season before making the switch permanent in the summer.
Bernardo, who last started a Hoops game in the 2-1 Scottish Cup win over Dundee at Parkhead in February, dropped down the pecking order at the champions with players such as Arne Engels, Benjamin Nygren, Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan in front of him in the battle to partner skipper Callum McGregor.
The 24-year-old Portuguese playmaker made his debut for the Poles in their 3-1 victory at Radomiak Radom at the weekend and is poised to play in Thursday’s crucial Europa League second leg qualifier against Ferencvaros who lead 1-0 from the first game in Hungary.
ON THE MOVE…Paulo Bernardo is looking forward to life at Gornik Zabrze.
Reflecting on his chats with Palma, Bernardo said: “We’ve been friends since our days at Celtic and we’re still in touch.
“I spoke to Luis and he spoke highly of the club. His recommendation made the final decision much easier for me.
“When the loan offer came up, I really wanted to come here.
“Gornik is an exceptional club and it’s evident everywhere. I’m happy with my debut and with the three points.
“I immediately felt that Gornik is a special place. I’m convinced it was the right decision to come here.”
Bernardo, speaking to the Scottish Sun, added: “I’m glad the manager trusts me because he put me straight into the starting line-up.
“Having the trust of the coach is incredibly important to me. I’ll always give 100 per cent to repay him and the entire team.
“I’m an attacking midfielder. I like to play on the front foot and drive forward with the ball at my feet.
“Of course, I also need to work on the defensive side of the game, but I’m definitely more comfortable in attacking roles.
PORTUGUESE PRIZE GUY…Paulo Bernardo holds aloft the League Cup after Celtic’s penalty-kick shoot-out triumph over Ibrox opposition at Hampden in December 2024.
“I think the tactics here suit me very well. I can carry the ball higher up the pitch and help the team create attacks. I’m really happy to be here.”
The former Portugal Under-21 international captain made 64 Celtic appearances – more than half as a substitute – after initially arriving in a temporary transfer from Benfica in September 2023.
With Brendan Rodgers in charge, the move was made permanent in a £3.5million deal, but the ball-playing middle-of-the-park performer became a bit-part player under O’Neill.
He was overlooked for the matchday squad for the opening Premiership game of the season as the champions beat Dundee 1-0 at Parkhead last Monday.
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