Opinion: A missed opportunity for Luis Palma to impress

The Celtic Star

·31 October 2024

Opinion: A missed opportunity for Luis Palma to impress

Chances to impress the manager are few and far between for the players on the fringe of the Celtic first team. Last night Luis Palma was one of many given that chance, but frustratingly he didn’t make the most of it…

30th October 2024; Celtic versus Dundee; Lyall Cameron of Dundee shields the ball from Luis Palma of Celtic. Photo ActionPlus David Young

A rare start

Luis Palma was handed a rare start in last nights 2-0 victory over Dundee at Celtic Park, and I think it’s safe to say that he didn’t exactly take his big opportunity to impress.

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I wrote the other day that I expected him to get a starting place against the Dens Park side and that he had to prove that he had a future at the club. Sadly in my view, he didn’t take that opportunity and his future at the club looks increasingly uncertain.

Luis made way for Daizen Maeda just before the hour mark and it wasn’t exactly a coincidence that we looked more efficient and dangerous from that moment on.

Celtic players pay their respects to former Celtic legend Tommy Callaghan who passed away last week, before the match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park on October 30, 2024 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Blowing hot and cold

Sandman this morning on The Celtic Star talked about Luis “blowing hot and cold; frustrating then uplifting.”

He continued: “Among the bewildering variety of his performance, one moment does make me inclined to say we should persevere with him – played the sumptuous pass of the night with the outside of his boot that deserved, and was close to, a wonderful goal. Just that second of pure guile can be a match-winning rarity, and worth more overall tolerance.”

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30th October 2024 Celtic Park, Scottish Premiership Football, Celtic versus Dundee Lyall Cameron of Dundee shields the ball from Luis Palma of Celtic. Photo ActionPlus David Young

Failed to grasp the opportunity

Luis had a big chance to give Brendan Rodgers food for thought, but he failed to grasp that opportunity which is very disappointing.

I would imagine that Brendan will be looking to move the Honduran on in the January transfer window unless he dramatically improves, but sadly I just can’t see it. It’s maybe more likely that Palma will see out the season and could be given another shot at impressing the manager as the squad rotation is set to continue, certainly as long as there are big Champions League matches on the agenda.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic s Luis Palma celebrates with the match ball after scoring a hat trick Luis Palma celebrates with the match ball after scoring a hat trick 9/10/2024 Photo :INPHO/Tom Maher

To me Luis doesn’t now look like a player who wants to be here, and I’m sure if that’s the case, then Brendan will have no hesitation in sanctioning a move. There is a really good player there but annoyingly it just doesn’t look like Luis is suited to the style of football Brendan wants from his team.

By the way, I’d love nothing more than for Luis to prove me wrong.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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