PAULO BERNARDO rocketed into the Celtic limelight to set himself up perfectly for part two of the campaign.
But as far as Peter Grant is concerned the quietly-achieving Portuguese has been impressing since he first started at Parkhead.
Following a first Celtic goal to set up a win at Dundee, the 21-year-old's Old Firm goal and sparkling showing pushed him to prominence.
Bernardo backed it up with a couple of excellent assists in the win over St Mirren to ensure the champions took their eight-point lead into the current Premiership hibernation.
He has grasped his big chance and with Reo Hatate at the Asian Cup is primed to pick up where he left off starting against Buckie on Sunday.
Grant had no doubts over Bernardo even before the big burst having eyed his earlier displays and the centenary double winner said:
"Bernardo was going about his business quite quietly but as an ex-midfielder and looking at the game as a coach checking for strengths and I was weaknesses, impressed.
"You see a game differently when watching a player in a position you used to play yourself, so I'd be thinking, 'How do Celtic want him to play? How's he going to press? What are they looking at for that position on that day?
Denne historien er fra January 19, 2024-utgaven av Daily Record.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 19, 2024-utgaven av Daily Record.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
REDS LOOK GOOD TO SECURE TOP SLOT
Arne's boys pass biggest test yet to hit the summit
Stick together in Italy & we have a puncher's chance
Kyogo says it's time for Hoops to show Europe what they can do
Clement made promises of jam tomorrow but in reality Gers are leaving their fans with just a bad taste in the mouth
THEY had been waiting for this moment to come along ever since leaving Parkhead with their tails tucked between their legs. For weeks now, they were hoping it might drop out of the sky and land at their feet.
Mr Gates doesn't do small talk.
Tycoon urges UK to maintain lead role in helping the world's poorest
SALMOND FUNERAL TO BE 'NEXT WEEK'
St Andrew's Day and Hogmanay among possible dates for public memorial
ASHLEY BANJOED
80mph winds wreak havoc across country
PREMIUM BOND
Unique image publicised Diamonds Are Forever
King Charle must have a translator to give Dad a gong..don't think he speaks Craiglang!
Life of public service earns trip to Palace
Crown under
King tells of love for Oz amid warm greeting in Sydney
Fave Chris' Strictly tour flaw
Bookies' No1 faces stand-up date clash as Merse is given the boot