Paulo Bernardo has admitted he has been surprised by the difficulty of Polish football since leaving Celtic on loan, despite establishing himself in a Górnik Zabrze side challenging for the league title.

The Portuguese midfielder joined the Ekstraklasa club during the summer after finding regular opportunities difficult to secure under Martin O’Neill.

He has since become an important part of Górnik’s midfield, starting 10 of his 11 league appearances.

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But Bernardo has revealed that adapting to his new surroundings has been more demanding than he anticipated.

Speaking in an interview published by Polish outlet Roosevelta 81, Bernardo said:

“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.”

Despite becoming a regular starter, Bernardo has yet to register a goal or assist in the Polish league.

The 24-year-old has made 15 appearances across all competitions this season, playing 1,019 minutes and contributing two assists during European qualifying.

Both assists came in August, against Ferencváros and Monaco.

His lack of goals has become a source of personal frustration, particularly given his opportunities in advanced midfield positions.

Bernardo admitted:

“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.”

His failure to find the net has not prevented Górnik from enjoying an impressive start to the campaign.

They have collected 27 points from their opening 12 league matches, winning eight and losing just once.

The midfielder’s regular involvement suggests he has earned the trust of the coaching staff despite his limited attacking output.

Bernardo’s loan move came during a summer of significant changes to Celtic’s midfield, with Reo Hatate and Arne Engels also departing.

Neither club has confirmed that the option will be exercised.

Bernardo appears content with life in Poland and believes the experience can help him develop.

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

With Górnik competing near the top of the table, Bernardo is getting the regular first-team football he was seeking when he left Glasgow.

His next challenge is to turn those appearances into a greater attacking contribution, starting with the league meeting against Legia Warsaw on Friday.