Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda has moved to assuage concerns about Celtic star Luis Palma’s fitness.
The wide man has been impressive in recent weeks, but Brendan Rodgers will have been on high alert after Palma picked up an injury before the CONCACAF Nations League semi-final match against Mexico. The Scottish Premiership champions already have injury concerns ahead of their return to domestic action against Motherwell on Saturday, with Reo Hatate, Liel Abada, and Daizen Maeda all out while fans await an update on Kyogo Furuhashi’s fitness.
But it appears that 23-year-old Palma remains in contention for Celtic’s showdown against Stuart Kettlewell’s Steelmen following Rueda’s latest update. Asked about the fitness of the winger going into Tuesday’s night’s clash by Honduran outlet La Presna, Rueda said: “Fortunately he is responding very well, and has overcome the discomfort and is ready for the game.”
Matt O’Riley caught the eye during his international debut for Denmark despite falling to defeat to Northern Ireland. And Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand insisted he had no hesitation playing O’Riley from the start after seeing his performances for the Hoops this term.
“Matt has been in the system for a while,” he explained. We’ve had him for a long time and have seen a lot of him. Matt has come over immediately the last two summers when there has been some voluntary training around June. He has performed admirably for the Under 21s, and he has gone above and beyond this season with his club, particularly in European matches. We were eager to see him in action. He is a fantastic midfielder who we would like to have in our squad.”
Liam Scales was another name on international duty, starting both of Ireland’s games to complete their double-header. Former Celtic star Charlie Mulgrew believes he is already in the running for Premier League Player of the Year.
“Liam’s definitely up there with Kyogo, Calum McGregor, and Matt O’Riley,” he told stocklytics.com. He’s been there when it counts, and it’s still early in the season, but I’m sure he’ll want to stay in there and win things, and there’s no reason why he can’t if he keeps performing like this.”
Celtic have also been linked with a move for South African teen sensation Luke Baartman. The Cape Town Spurs striker has exploded onto the scene this season, earning rave reviews for his efforts. At only 17 years old, the youngster is a prospect for the future, and it’s believed the Hoops would face competition from English clubs for his signature.
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