When he was growing up in Belgium, Arne Engels came through the youth system at Club Brugge. Or, to give their academy its proper title, Club NXT.
This was a big night for Celtic’s club record signing to go up against his former employers. It was a chance to show how much his game has developed since a blockbuster £11million move to Glasgow.
But it was an opportunity that totally passed him by. The young man who grew up playing for NXT was posted MIA in this Champions League clash.
The hefty transfer fee for Engels was sanctioned in the hope that he would prove to be an all-action midfielder for Brendan Rodgers’ side on big European nights such as these.
Still only 21 years old, that vision may yet come to fruition in the fullness of time. But this was a night when Engels was very much Missing In Action.
He was eventually hooked just before the hour. Had he been taken off at half-time, he could have had absolutely no complaints.
It felt emblematic of the way in which Engels has just gone off the boil in recent weeks. His contribution was pretty much non-existent for the hour or so he was on the pitch.
In the first half, he and the rest of his Celtic team-mates were chasing shadows against a slick Brugge outfit whose dominance warranted more than a one-goal lead.
It felt like there was an element of surprise to it all. Having beaten RB Leipzig here only a few weeks ago, perhaps Celtic felt like they would only have to turn up here to beat the Belgians.
The technical proficiency of the Brugge players on the ball, as well as the intensity of their pressing, made this a deeply uncomfortable night for Celtic.
By the end, and given that they were second best for much of the contest, Rodgers’ side could consider it very much one point gained against the Belgian champions.
It leaves Celtic still in a handy enough position in the table, particularly with a home game against Young Boys still to come.
But Engels needs to do more to justify his place in the team. The record transfer fee doesn’t guarantee anything in terms of selection.
Celtic can’t afford any passengers on Champions League nights. Especially not one with an £11m price tag.
