Brendan Rodgers picked out Youssuf Mulumba for praise after Celtic’s 3-1 defeat to RB Salzburg.
The midfielder replaced the injured Scott Brown and made a big impression on the match with his aggression in the middle of the park and willingness to show for the ball.
Mulumba was replaced by Ryan Christie after 78 minutes as the tide of Austrian pressure swept away Celtic’s early advantage from Odsonne Edouard’s second minute goal.
Reflecting on the contribution of the former Kilmarnock midfielder Rodgers said: “When Scott doesn’t play then of course it always takes away from the team.
“But give credit to Mulumbu, I thought he did very well. He came in and worked hard. I thought he was excellent
“Scott’s obviously a big player, very important but I thought Youssuf came in and did very well.”
Brown will miss Sunday’s match away to St Johnstone with Mulumba expected to continue alongside Olivier Ntcham in the centre of the park.
With Brown, Tom Rogic, Kris Ajer and Filip Benkovic all missing Celtic were down to their bare bones with Emilio Izaguirre, Jozo Simunovic and Cristian Gamboa earning places on the bench.
In the other match in Group B RB Leipzig won 3-1 away to Rosenborg with Celtic travelling to Germany in Match Day 3.
