In the face of fierce competition for places and with more potential signings on the horizon, Celtic’s opening game of the season against Ross County painted a clear picture of the steep hill some players must climb to make the matchday squad.

The bhoys romped to a 4-2 victory, but Sead Haksabanovic and Alexandro Bernabei failed to even make the bench, sparking conversations about the depth of talent in the squad.

Bernabei’s exclusion was a particular surprise to some. The Argentine full-back has put in a string of strong performances in the pre-season, showing great promise and hinting at the talent that brought him to Celtic Park.

However, the unfortunate absence from the season opener raises questions. Could there be an undisclosed injury concern, or was it simply a managerial decision? It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it goes to show that even a successful pre-season may not guarantee a player their spot in the squad.

As for Haksabanovic, the Montenegrin winger’s omission was less shocking. In contrast to Bernabei, his pre-season has been somewhat muted, struggling to impose himself in friendly matches.

With James Forrest and Yang vying for the same position, Haksabanovic will need to raise his game to carve out a spot in the squad. Competition is fierce, and in a team like Celtic, there’s no room for complacency.

Looking ahead, it’s evident that competition for places will only get more challenging if Celtic presses on with further signings. Managerial staff, while keeping an eye on new talent, must also manage the morale of players who find themselves on the periphery. Each player will need to embrace the challenge, exhibit patience, and seize their chance when it comes.

As for the game against Ross County, Celtic kicked off their campaign with a win, the kind that builds momentum and sets a positive tone for the season. The 4-2 triumph saw David Turnbull netting a brace, with Kyogo and O’Riley each finding the back of the net once.

In the grand scheme of the season, one game is just a drop in the ocean. However, it provides early insight into the task ahead for players like Bernabei and Haksabanovic. As they watch from the sidelines, the challenge is clear. They must fight for their place, improve on their performance, and stay ready for when their opportunity comes