Maik Nawrocki grabbed his chance with both hands at Pittodrie, scoring and defending well in Celtic’s 5-1 win over Aberdeen. The Polish centre-half, making just his fifth appearance of the season, marked the occasion with a well-taken goal from a corner and caught the eye with his all-round display.

The 24-year-old, who has struggled for consistent game time this season, partnered Auston Trusty in the heart of defence. Despite a lack of starts, Nawrocki looked assured throughout — comfortable playing out from the back and strong in defence.

Rodgers was happy with what he saw, with three aspects of Nawrocki’s game really standing out to the Irishman. It was yet another impressive performance from a player who hardly puts a foot wrong.

He said: (TCW), “I thought he played through the lines really, really well, defended well, and obviously, he was very dangerous in the box.

“[It was a] great header for his first goal. So, yes, I was pleased with the two centre-halves.

“It was awkward for Auston in the first half, because he was blinded a wee bit with the sun on that side. But I thought those two were strong. Defended well, goalkeeper was assured, two full-backs, excellent.

“It was very pleasing.”

Despite limited game time this season, Nawrocki has proven himself a dependable option whenever called upon. Each appearance strengthens his case for a more consistent role as the season reaches the final two games.

Nawrocki is arguably Celtic’s second-best centre-back behind Cameron Carter-Vickers. Whenever he plays, he stands out, making it all the more puzzling why he hasn’t featured more often. Both Liam Scales and Auston Trusty have struggled to match Carter-Vickers’ consistency throughout the season.

Sadly, it looks as if Nawrocki may leave in the summer, with Dane Murray even fancied ahead of the Polish defender. It will always be a question of “what if” for Nawrocki, as anytime he’s played, he looks strong, intelligent, and hardworking.