Celtic: McAvennie backs 'incredible' Bernardo as Hatate replacement

By Frank McAvennie

5th Nov, 2023 | 7:00am

'I've got to be honest' - McAvennie makes 'unbelievable' Paulo Bernardo claim after Celtic latest

Paulo Bernardo is “unbelievable” and will provide good cover for the injured Reo Hatate at Celtic.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie was impressed by the Benfica loanee after his performance against Hibernian on Saturday (28 October).

The 21-year-old midfielder has struggled for minutes so far this season and has made just two starts across six total appearances since joining this summer.

Hatate suffered an injury in the Hoops’ 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid and is sidelined for two months, meaning a replacement will be needed until after Christmas.

McAvennie liked what he saw of Bernardo in his recent appearances and has backed him as Hatate’s temporary cover.

“I’ve got to be honest, Bernardo came in and he was unbelievable considering he’s not played,” he told Football Insider.

“By all accounts, he’s soaking everything up, taking everything in that he can. He’s taking it on board, and I thought he did very, very well at the weekend [against Hibs].

“We know David Turnbull, we know what he can do. He’s a different type of player. When Aaron Mooy was there too, he was a good player who took over that position.

“But I think the boy Bernardo.”

In other news, McAvennie claims that Celtic will “100 per cent” sign a duo in January.