SHARP INCLINE ON ROCKI ROAD

Shock derby start enhanced lost Bhoy's career prospects

- Craig Swan

MAIK NAWROCKI didn’t get a victory to savour on his shock return to the Celtic team.

But the Polish defender may have earned himself a long-term reprieve or, at least ensured his club will claw a decent chunk of their £4million outlay back if he exits this summer.

Positives for the Hoops from last weekend’s 3-2 home loss to Rangers were hard to find, but Nawrocki emerged from the wreckage with some pride intact.

He was so far out of the picture that many fans had forgotten he was still on the books until the teamsheet dropped.

Five minutes against Falkirk and another 18 against Raith Rovers in two cup ties this season were hardly the ideal preparation for an Old Firm game.

Yet Nawrocki had faced a similar scenario before.

In the December 2023 derby, after a four-month injury absence, he was thrust into the action from the bench after Stephen Welsh limped off against Rangers, and the Pole proved he could cope as his team grabbed a pivotal 2-1 win in the title race.

Before last Sunday, Nawrocki hadn’t started a game since a dead-rubber against St Mirren on May 18. Too much time on the treatment table made him an unreliable option and prompted manager Brendan Rodgers to sign Auston Trusty.