Celtic loanee makes candid confession as £3m permanent transfer option emerges

The Portuguese midfielder departed Parkhead during the summer transfer window after falling down the pecking order under Martin O’Neill, joining the Polish outfit on a season-long loan.

Bernardo has impressed during the opening months of his spell, helping Gornik mount an unlikely title challenge as they pursue their first league championship since 1988.

The 24-year-old’s performances have attracted praise, with his temporary employers reportedly holding a £3million option to make the move permanent next summer.

However, the former Benfica midfielder admits he underestimated the competitiveness of the Polish top flight.

Bernardo said via The Herald: “It’s very difficult for me. I never imagined it would be this tough.

“Even though we are challenging for the top of the league, there are no easy matches for us.

“We always have to be 100 per cent committed, otherwise we draw or lose.

“But I am very happy to be here and I know I can continue to develop in it.”

He continued: “I am enjoying it in Poland because we are playing a match every three days or so.

“The only frustrating thing for me here is that I have not managed to score yet.

“I have to keep working, trying, creating chances and running into spaces where I can shoot. I hope this will pay off soon and I can score my first goal for the club.”