MARTIN O’NEILL believes Celtic will be able to announce new signings “at some stage next week”.
The Hoops’ interim manager, preparing for Sunday’s Scottish Cup-tie against Auchinleck Talbot at Rugby Park, gave a progress report as he attempts to strengthen his squad.
Striker remains a priority as O’Neill scours the market place with only Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada as the team’s two recognised attack leaders. The Republic of Ireland frontman has collected just four goals this season while the summer recruit from the J-League is still awaiting his first strike for the champions.
Asked if Celtic are closer to their next transfer, the 73-year-old Irishman answered: “Remarkably, I think we are, yeah.
MATCHWINNER…Benjamin Nygren heads the points-clincher past stranded Falkirk keeper Scott Bain.
“We are definitely a bit closer. I dread these interviews, I really do, because I just like the natter – but I dread the questions coming up.
“I can’t wait for February 2 (transfer deadline day).”
O’Neill once again emphasised the urgent requirement of new faces and, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “To me, it’s essential. I think we know that, anyway.
“We can’t change the squad around for the Bologna game, but we would like to bring some people in for Hearts if it was at all possible.”
Quizzed on the possibility of a deal before Sunday’s kick-off, O’Neill replied: “I can’t think there would be, but I would think at some stage next week there will be.”
CHEERS…Martin O’Neill acknowledges the Celtic fans after the 1-0 win over Falkirk in midweek.
One player who will NOT be on his way to Parkhead is nine times-capped England international frontman Callum Wilson, as CQN reported earlier today.
The 33-year-old forward is on the brink of being released from his West Ham contract and appears to be on his way to Saudi.
Asked about his thoughts on a move for the experienced forward, O’Neill added: “I hadn’t thought about that. Not that he is not a very fine player, but I thought that he was going elsewhere.”
Midfielder Benjamin Nygren is the club’s top scorer in this campaign with 12 goals after his midweek winner against Falkirk.
The Swede, signed for £1.7million in the summer, has claimed three more strikes than last season’s 33-goal man Daizen Maeda.
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