OPINION
Celtic have enjoyed a decent run of form in the Scottish Premier League recently, but that could not be further from the truth in terms of life in the Europa League.
Brendan Rodgers is yet to get the best out of summer signing Youssouf Mulumbu, who has not been the most consistent of players since his arrival.
In some games, the midfield enforcer has been impressive – but in others, he has been rather lacklustre.
Yes, he is going to find it hard to break into the side when the likes of Olivier Ntcham, Scott Brown and Tom Rogic are all ahead of him in the pecking order – but he must start stepping up to the plate, as Rodgers will not think twice about wielding the axe on him come January.
He has made only two appearances for the Hoops this season, which indicates that he is not that highly regarded by his manager.
The 31-year-old no doubt has the experience to thrive in Celtic’s first team – and when he is given the chance to do so, he must prove to Rodgers that he must not be a casualty in January.
It is surprising that Mulumbu does not get more of a look-in at Celtic, and the fact that he has been dismissed so much shows he is not as highly valued as some of his teammates.
However, being largely inconsistent when he is on the pitch is not going to help his case in the slightest and he must play his socks off from now on.
He has the chance to get his career at Celtic back on track and he must not waste it.
The first thing the enforcer has to do is break into the first team – and once he does, he must prove that he is not just a flop signing.
It is make-or-break time for Mulumbu. He must step up or get out.