As we have already seen this season, Brendan Rodgers is keen to give players on form the chance to start for Celtic. And following Reo Hatate’s injury against Aberdeen and his own positive displays in recent weeks, one of this summer’s signings could now be set to get an opportunity to shine.
Rodgers has already surprised fans with some team selections. Starting David Turnbull in the first two league matches ahead of Hatate was a bold move. While that paid off with two goals against Ross County, the Scot did struggle against Aberdeen at the weekend and was replaced by the Japanese midfielder at half-time.
That is unlikely to deter Rodgers from giving players opportunities though. With Hatate himself being replaced after picking up an injury at the weekend, we saw Odin Thiago Holm come on for an assured cameo performance in the away win at Pittodrie Stadium.
Holm’s performance there and in pre-season matches, combined with the news of Hatate being out for a few weeks with his calf injury, will have given Rodgers plenty to think about. He needs to make a midfield selection decision.
Coach’s Holm claim should excite Celtic fans
Turnbull’s greater experience means he would be more likely to get the nod to start ahead of Holm. But even if that’s the case, the Norwegian will surely be staking a strong case for consistent appearances off the bench and decent playing time, rather than coming on much later in the match.
More game time for Holm will help build his case for selection at Parkhead. It also helps open more doors at the international level. Norway U21 coach Jan Peder Jalland already seems to have him on his radar.
As reported by the Daily Record [16/08 print edition page 47] (via 67 Hail Hail), Jalland said:
"“Odin has since a young age been one of the players that we all think can be exciting and interesting with a lot of potential.“He developed at Valerenga and has now made a new step to Celtic. It seems like it has been a positive start from what I have seen. Odin is a player we all think is interesting and we are excited to see how he develops further.“I was out on Sunday watching other games, but I saw the match against Aberdeen on Monday on Wyscout. I saw he played as one of two sixes, he could be a little deeper and helping attacks from behind. But he also has the freedom to go forward and create things, so, at the moment, it seems like a role that suits him very well.“Odin is working with one of the better managers who has had a great career with teams playing great football and having results. So I see that as something very positive and that it will benefit his development over this season and further seasons. I think at the moment he can play in different roles. Odin is so young you do not have to lock him into one position.”"
If Holm can get more game time under his belt with the Hoops, and the opportunity to do so may have increased now, then a September call up to Norway U21 level could well happen. That would be good news for all parties.