Brendan Rodgers has internal priorities on his mind at Celtic alongside juggling potential transfer activity this summer.
Pre-season is now here, and several fringe players will have a chance to lay it all on the line and convince the manager they are worth a first-team slot this coming campaign.
There may be added motivation for peripheral figures to seize their opportunity. Squad places are up for grabs, and with no new arrivals announced, the next few weeks could be invaluable for one or two.
Celtic take on Ayr United and Queens Park before jetting off on a three-match tour of the United States, facing DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Decisions are there to be made on individuals, and there is one man who will be keen to make strides after an up and down 2023/24 season.
Odin Thiago Holm and the opportunity to shine for Celtic
Odin Thiago Holm arrived last summer from Valerenga for £2.6 million, yet he was in and out of matchday squads under Rodgers last term.
Per Transfermarkt, the Norway Under-21 international registered a solitary goal and assist apiece in 13 appearances across all competitions.
Upon observation, Holm clearly has a lot of potential. Stylish in his work, the Trondheim-born man has composure on the ball and isn’t afraid of taking on possession in tight spaces; nevertheless, he hasn’t been a frequent presence in the Celtic side, and has plenty of work still to go.
It does feel like he has been slightly unfortunate at the club. He is still relatively inexperienced, something that showed when he was sent off against Feyenoord in the Champions League last campaign.
That shouldn’t be levelled at him; he was a little unlucky on reflection. On the same token, if you purchase who need to develop in order to reach their full potential, don’t be surprised if they learn on the job.
Either way, there is a spark with Holm that should be given airtime in pre-season. Bodies will be needed to supplement the midfield this term, and he has shown glimpses of what he is capable of when given a chance. Celtic also paid decent money for him, so it would be a shame to see it go to waste.