Celtic winger Luis Palma has opened up about the recent personal struggles he’s faced following the loss of a close family member.

He’s currently on international duty with Honduras, after missing out on the last few squads.

Speaking to Deportes TVC, Palma shared how deeply the loss has affected him, both on and off the pitch.

“The truth is that I am very hurt to lose a family member and the people who from the beginning were supporting me for my future.

“But I had the support of my wife, my family, and it is a very complicated issue but I try to move forward and I know that she is up there watching everything.”

He continued: “I’m working, trying hard every day, wanting to get the same performance I had before at the club and coming here is an honor, happy to be in the national team and hoping that the things I’ve been suggesting happen so that the best comes out of everything.”

On the field, Palma has already made an impression at Celtic, showing moments of brilliance with key goals in the Scottish Premiership and Champions League. However, his journey at the club has been far from straightforward. While he’s earned attention for his undeniable quality, he has also faced challenges in securing a regular starting spot, especially since the turn of he year.

After a great spell this time last season, he’s been unable to build on it, with Yang and Forrest now ahead of him in the pecking order, behind Maeda and Kuhn who are Rodgers’ starters.

Rodgers has given him a few opportunities this season but has failed to capitalise on them. But, with some more minutes over the past month, he has earned a recall to the national side, which will allow him to regain some confidence.

Whether he’ll look for a move away for some more minutes in January remains to be seen.