Another season has passed in the blink of an eye. Celtic already have two trophies in the bag and will hopefully complete the treble when they take to the Hampden Park pitch next weekend against Aberdeen. After that, the focus will move towards the summer transfer window and the incomings and outgoings that come with it.
At this point in time, Celtic have a number of players out on loan. It is hard to imagine that we will ever see the likes of Luis Palma and Gustaf Lagerbielke turn out in a green-and-white jersey again.
But then, there are some loanees who might end up having a future at Celtic Park after all. Marco Tilio is one of them, with the Australian international showing impressive form out on loan at Melbourne City FC.
In the last 11 games, Tilio has scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists, coming into his own in recent months. And with Jota picking up a long-term injury that will keep him out for six to nine months, there could be a spot for the Australian in the Celtic squad. He appears to be looking forward to his return as well.
Winger eyeing Celtic return as he sends clear message
Tilio appears to believe that he is in a better spot now. He said while speaking to A Leagues:
"If I’m being completely honest, I think I’m in a better position now than what I was back then.
“I’ve matured a lot in the last couple of years.
“I had my first injury going over to Scotland, and pretty much ridden all those waves, and here I am now. "
With several years still left on his contract with Celtic, Tilio remains in contact with the club, as he said:
"I) speak to obviously team managers, and there’s a loans manager who reaches out after most games."
It is consistent game time that Tilio was looking for and he has found that on loan at Melbourne City FC. Now, it remains to be seen if that translates to Celtic, and whether he will get the opportunity to do so.
It is not just Jota that Celtic could be without at the start of next season. Nicolas Kuhn has been heavily linked with a move away as well. And if the German winger did end up leaving, that would be an obvious spot where Tilio could be given a chance by Brendan Rodgers.
Of course, a lot will depend on how Rodgers views the entire situation. Just because Tilio has done well out on loan in Australia does not mean that he will get consistent playing time at Celtic.
If Tilio is to make it at Parkhead, he will have to be ready to make the most of whatever opportunities come his way, just like Liam Scales and Adam Idah have done. If the Australian can do that, there might be a spot in the squad for him. Otherwise, he might find himself out on loan again or even on the end of a permanent transfer.