Landon Emenalo has been named on the Celtic bench against Hearts just days after taking part in his first proper first-team training session at Lennoxtown.

The Chelsea loanee joined Celtic late in the summer window, but his start to life in Glasgow was delayed by injury.

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That session was viewed positively, with Emenalo understood to have done very well as Martin O’Neill and his coaching staff got a closer look at him.

Now, less than a week later, he is in the matchday squad for the visit of Hearts to Celtic Park.

It is the first real sign that Emenalo is ready to become part of O’Neill’s domestic squad.

The 19-year-old was not available for Thursday night’s Europa League defeat to Benfica because he was not included in Celtic’s European squad.

That meant his route into the matchday squad was always going to come in domestic football.

Hearts now provides that first opening.

Emenalo was brought in to offer cover and competition on the left side, with Kieran Tierney still the clear first-choice option at left-back.

The teenager has also spoken about his versatility, saying he can operate at left-back, drift into midfield or play as a third centre-back.

That flexibility could be useful over the coming weeks, especially with Celtic trying to manage injuries, European fixtures and domestic pressure.

O’Neill will not want to rush him too quickly after a delayed start, but putting him on the bench is a clear step forward.

Celtic have had to wait to see what Emenalo can offer.