LUIS PALMA sent a timely three-goal reminder to Brendan Rodgers in new-look Celtic’s last-gasp 3-2 victory over Sligo Rovers in an entertaining friendly at the Showgrounds this evening.
The Honduran winger, who has rarely figured this season, claimed an eye-catching hat-trick with two of his strikes coming in the fading moments to stave off a surprise defeat.
Rodgers took the opportunity to bring in a host of fringe youngsters while giving the likes of Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh and Yang Hyun-jun some welcome game time.
Luke McCowan also made a start after looking lively in his substitute appearances since his deadline-day arrival from Dundee.
But it was international winger Palma who stole the show with a splendid trio with the first coming in the ninth minute.
McCowan and Yang combined on the right and the South Korean wide Bhoy’s low cross was superbly met by Palma at the back post and he tucked it away with ease.
However, the hosts stunned the Parkhead men with a swift one-two when Kailin Barlow levelled in the 13th minute and Simon Power netted No.2 just four minutes later.
Unfortunately, comeback keeper Scott Bain did not cover himself in glory with his attempts to keep the ball out of the net on both occasions.
Shortly after the turnaround, Palma came close to the equaliser with a cunning free-kick that just cleared the bar and then McCowan had an effort headed off the line by Charlie Wigan.
Yang was also just out of luck with a drive that flew off target and it looked only a matter of time before the visitors’ pressure would pay off.
Celtic left it late, though, before Palma whipped in a cross from substitute Sean McArdle in the 89th minute and, as the exciting friendly neared a conclusion, the touchline ace struck the winner after excellent service from Samuel Isiguzo.
TEAM: Bain; Agbaire (sub: Bonetig 61), Welsh, Nawrocki, Valle (sub: Robertson 45); McCowan, Turley, Bonnar (sub: McArdle 61), Yang, Dobbie (sub: Islguzo 61), Palma. Subs not used: Morrison, Rice, Dargie, Davidson, Cannon, Haddow.