Brendan Rodgers will be closely monitoring the progress of his Celtic loanees as several players who were previously on the periphery at Parkhead aim to catch the Irishman’s attention. While the first team continues to thrive, having recently seen off Motherwell to extend their unbeaten domestic run to 11 matches, there are still individuals looking to force their way into contention.
Celtic has effectively utilized the loan market in recent years, which has proven to be a source of strength for the club. Liam Scales serves as a prime example of what can happen when the right circumstances align—he has developed into a ready-made player capable of making an impact without the need to dip into the transfer market. As these loanees aim to impress, they could provide valuable depth for Celtic moving forward.
Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie are also notable examples of players who benefited from loan spells in the Scottish Premiership before solidifying their places during Brendan Rodgers’ first tenure. Their success highlights the importance of loan opportunities in player development.In this context, 67 Hail Hail examines how Celtic’s senior loanees performed over the weekend as they strive to catch the attention of the Irishman and secure a spot in his plans moving forward. Their performances could be crucial in determining whether they can make an impact upon their return to Parkhead.
Johnny Kenny and Hyeokyu Kwon found themselves in high-stakes matches this weekend as the League of Ireland approaches its final showdown on Friday. Shamrock Rovers still have a chance to clinch the title, needing a win against Waterford at Tallaght Stadium while hoping Shelbourne drops points against Derry City.In a tense encounter, the other Hoops narrowly defeated Dundalk 1-0, thanks to Dylan Watts’ goal. Johnny Kenny started the match but was substituted by Aaron Greene in the 63rd minute. While the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international had a relatively quiet game at Oriel Park, he won’t be too concerned, as the Rovers are just one match away from an unprecedented five-in-a-row title success. This opportunity could further enhance Kenny’s prospects when he returns to Celtic.
Continuing the theme of high stakes but in a different context, Hyeokyu Kwon played the full 90 minutes as Hibernian faced Hearts in the first Edinburgh Derby of the season at Easter Road, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Stat-trackers Fotmob highlighted Kwon’s quietly impressive performance, noting that he completed 16 of his 21 attempted passes and won five duels.The match, however, bore the familiar intensity of a derby, with a significant emphasis on physicality that limited quality chances for both sides in the capital. Despite the tough nature of the contest, Kwon’s contributions were solid, and his ability to maintain composure under pressure could make him a valuable asset for Celtic upon his return.
Continuing his impressive form at Internacional, Celtic loanee Alexandro Bernabei scored over the weekend as his side secured a victory against Atletico MG, prompting some intriguing reports about his future. According to recent developments, Internacional has been quoted £8.32 million to sign Bernabei permanently from Celtic. The player himself is reportedly keen to remain in Brazil to participate in the Copa Libertadores, which could influence his decision.
Meanwhile, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Marco Tilio’s situations also warrant attention. As they navigate their own loan spells, their performances could impact their chances of returning to the Celtic first team or securing permanent moves elsewhere. The coming weeks will be critical for all three players as they seek to make a mark in their respective leagues while keeping an eye on their long-term futures.
Elsewhere, Gustaf Lagerbielke made a notable impact off the bench in FC Twente’s emphatic 5-0 Eredivisie victory over Heracles, coming on to replace Mees Hilgers. The Sweden international has now made three appearances since his loan move this summer, indicating that he is gradually finding his place in the squad.
On the other hand, Marco Tilio was unable to make a significant difference for Melbourne City in their 3-1 win against Melbourne Victory. Starting the match and playing the full 90 minutes, Tilio will be looking to enhance his contributions in future games as he aims to regain form and establish himself more firmly in the team. Both players’ performances will be crucial as they seek to impress Brendan Rodgers and secure a future at Celtic.