Osaze Urhoghide had a tough debut at his new Belgian club as the young Celtic defender was substituted at the break for KV Oostende.
The Dutch centre-back, signed in the summer from Sheffield Wednesday, was sent out on loan in the closing stages of the January transfer window to the same side the turned around Jack Hendry's fortunes.
With Chris Jullien returning, Cameron Carter-Vickers impressing alongside fellow new recruit Carl Starfelt and young Stephen Welsh also a reliable option, game time looked impossible for Urhoghide to come by.
Josip Juranovic and Anthony Ralston similarly have the right-back slot locked up so heading on loan was the sensible option for the 21-year-old.
But his first appearance lasted just 45 minutes in a dismal afternoon for the Pro League club.
Taking on Mechelen away from home, Kerim Mrabti gave the away side the lead just before half-time and moments later new manager Yves Vanderhaeghe opted to replace Urhoghide with another striker, Brecht Capon.
It didn't get better as former Hoops flop Maryan Shved fired home the second before Rob Schoofs wrapped up a 3-0 win.
