By Frank McAvennie

20th Sep, 2023 | 10:16am

Marco Tilio set for extended spell on Celtic sidelines after what expert has heard

Marco Tilio is already “way down the pecking order” at Celtic.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie said even though Tilio is yet to kick a ball for the Glasgow giants, he has already fallen out of favour.

The 22-year-old joined the Parkhead club earlier this summer from A League side Melbourne City and put pen to paper on a five-year deal running until 2028.

But the winger is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Celts after picking up an injury for Australia Under-23s, an injury the club were aware of when they signed him.

Tilio is one name on a long injury list at Parkhead, with new signings Maik Nawrocki and Nat Phillips also on the treatment table although the latter have both managed to make their debuts for their new club.

Speaking to CelticTV last week (12 September), Brendan Rodgers revealed that Tilio has been back training with the squad but insisted it will take some time before he is back up to speed with the rest of the group.

Tilio was also left out of the 25-man Champions League squad for their group stage campaign.

McAvennie suggested Tilio’s absence could be to do with more than just his injury.

“Apparently Tilio is way down the pecking order,” he told Football Insider.

“You have got players there like [Daizen] Maeda as well as new signing [Luis] Palma so I think Tilio is for the future.

“There is loads of competition in that area of the pitch so Celtic are just going to get better.“

In other news, Rangers make £30m+ after new deal agreed.