Celtic have next £20m payday lined up as atmosphere leaves rival player in 'shock' - Parkhead news bulletin

Paulo Bernardo can be Celtic's next £20m superstar if he keeps up his current form, according to John Hartson.

The Portuguese midfielder returned to Parkhead as a permanent Hoops player in the summer with the club thrashing out a £3.5m agreement with Benfica after his successful loan last season. He's set for a battle to replace Matt O'Riley as the third cog in the midfield machine, with new signings Arne Engels and Luke McCowan both eyeing his spot.

Bernardo however did himself no harm with his impressive display against Rangers and won't be giving it up easy. According to Hartson, he could be the next man to move on for big bucks if he keeps going the way he is. The Hoops hero said: “Brendan likes signing players that he feels he can improve. Brendan’s brilliant on the training ground and he likes to work with them.

"You look at Bernardo now, who was absolutely terrific at the weekend. He’ll probably be the next £15m or £20m player to go from Celtic.

“He’s that good. Matt O’Riley was £1.5m from MK Dons a couple of years ago, you’ve got Kieran Tierney coming through from the youth team, Moussa Dembele who cost £500,000 and they sold him for £20m. It’s remarkable but it’s down to hard work from Brendan, his style and putting them in when they’re ready.”

Elsewhere, Kilmarnock defender Oliver Bainbridge says he was left in shock at the Parkhead atmosphere after he was thrown in at the deep end for his debut last month. The Sunderland teenager was given the nod by Derek McInnes on flag day but could do nothing to repel the onslaught as Rodgers' team ran out 4-0 winners.

And he's told his parent club's official website that he couldn't believe what he experienced. Bainbridge said: “I signed on the Friday, travelled to