Paulo Bernardo hopes his surging Celtic form can realise Portugal 'dream' as Ronaldo team up in his sights

Paulo Bernardo insists no one should bet against Cristiano Ronaldo running out at Hampden in the Nations League later this year.

And Celtic's Portuguese playmaker admits it’s his big dream to be alongside his idol. Bernardo admitted he was buzzing at last week’s draw when his home country came out of the hat alongside his adopted nation. The borrowed Benfica midfielder has still to decide on his long term future beyond this season’s loan deal but there’s every chance he could still be at Parkhead.

The Hoops have a £6m option to buy the 22-year-old outright and his performances in recent months have persuaded plenty of fans he’s worth the outlay. Bernardo will have a major say but while he’s still unsure if he’ll be in Scotland – he is convinced Ronaldo will be. The Portugal legend may have turned 39-year-old this month and is currently topping up his bumper pension in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr.

But his patriotic fires still burn brightly and Bernardo wouldn’t be surprised if the former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United superstar is still doing the business beyond this summer’s Euros. The Hoops man admitted he worships Ronaldo – as does every other young player coming through in his home land. And Bernardo said: “It’s a very interesting draw with Portugal playing Scotland!

“The boys haven’t said too much but I am sure we will be talking about it nearer the time. It will be a nice game to see. Will Ronaldo be playing? Probably yes!. You never know. He’s 39 now but he keeps going.

“I don’t know if I will be playing at that age. I’ll need to look after my body like he does. But it is not just that. It is his mental strength. He is absolutely incredible. Do I see him as a role model? Of course. He is like an