Celtic winger Liel Abada ‘could become a real top player’ in the not-too-distant future if he continues to improve, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 20-year-old has become a key part of Ange Postecoglou’s side during his short time at the club and is only likely to go from strength to strength given he is in the early stages of his career.

What is the latest news involving Abada?

Abada arrived at Celtic in the summer of 2021 via a £3.5 million move from Maccabi Petah Tikva as Postecoglou oversaw a mass overhaul of the first-team squad during his first few months at the helm.

"It feels amazing to sign for a club like Celtic,” said the Israel international upon his arrival at the club. “My main aim is to help the team win the title.

“That's my focus, and I will give everything I have in training and out on the pitch to help the club achieve this."

And the pacey attacker certainly played his part in Celtic reclaiming the Scottish Premiership title last term as he registered 15 goals and 11 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.

Abada has even reduced club legend James Forrest to a fringe role under Postecoglou, and he has continued to excel in the opening weeks of the current campaign.

What has O’Rourke said about Abada?

O’Rourke believes that Abada’s exposure to Champions League football will also be beneficial to his development and aid the ‘rapid rise’ he is enjoying at present.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I think Liel Abada could become a real top player in the future if he continues his rapid rise.

“And Celtic fans will be hoping that will continue at Celtic Park as well because he's only going to get better and better, I think, in my opinion, especially if he's playing at the highest level in the Champions League; it'll only improve his game.”

How well is Abada playing this season?

In just nine outings in 2022/23, Abada has already racked up six goals and one assist, including a brace in a 4-0 thrashing of Old Firm rivals Rangers.

However, the creative talent was hauled off at half-time in Celtic’s 3-0 defeat at home to Real Madrid in their opening Champions League group game and had to settle for a place on the bench against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Abada will be hoping to force his way back into Postecoglou’s starting XI over the coming weeks, therefore, and continue his progress on the pitch.