Andy Halliday has sparked debate once again by suggesting that Paulo Bernardo should be starting for Celtic ahead of Arne Engels when both players are fully fit.

The Motherwell midfielder and pundit shared his view while discussing what he believes is Celtic’s strongest XI. Although he admitted Engels currently gets the nod, Halliday was clear that this was only down to Bernardo’s ongoing fitness issues.

“Bernardo’s not fit. I prefer him and I think he is better than Engels, as it stands,” Halliday said on Open Goal. “But he’s not fit, he’s only been back for a few weeks.”

Bernardo, who initially joined on loan last season before making his move permanent from Benfica, has found regular starts hard to come by this campaign. The 23-year-old midfielder has started just 11 league games, coming off the bench a further 15 times, in a season disrupted by injury.

Despite a modest return of two goals and three assists, the Portuguese midfielder could bring a balance of technical quality and physicality that makes him the more complete option in the middle of the park.

In contrast, Arne Engels has been a regular feature and remains a divisive figure among the Celtic support. While his numbers, particularly for goals and assists, have been impressive for a 21-year-old in his first season, questions persist over his influence in open play and ability to control the midfield in bigger fixtures.

Halliday’s comments have reopened the debate over whether Engels has truly nailed down a long-term starting role, or whether Bernardo could yet force his way into Brendan Rodgers’ plans once fully fit.

Few would argue that Bernardo hasn’t shown flashes of real quality in his limited appearances, but whether he has done enough to displace Engels heading into a Scottish Cup final and next season remains up for discussion. With Celtic likely to strengthen midfield options again this summer, both players know they may still have plenty to prove to secure a regular starting place.