MARTIN O’NEILL has no plans to turn versatile Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain into a wide Bhoy.
The former Arsenal, Liverpool and England international midfielder joined the champions as a free agent last week after being released by Besiktas in late August.
The 32-year-old, 35 times-capped performer is hoping to get an opportunity to make his debut at some stage when the Hoops take on Premiership strugglers Livingston at Parkhead this evening.
O’Neill’s men got into the encounter nine points off the pace following Hearts’ last-gasp 1-0 victory over Hibs at Tynecastle last night.
GREEN FOR GO…Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is hoping for a debut chance against Livingston. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
However, Celtic have two games in hand and the match against Marvin Bartley’s outfit under the lights in the east end of Glasgow is clearly a must-win confrontation.
The 73-year-old interim manager knows the team cannot carry passengers in their bid for a fifth successive title and it’s a case of everyone pushing themselves to the limit.
O’Neill has plans for Oxlade-Chamberlain who has played wide and in central roles for club and country in the past.
The Irishman has a clear vision of where he wants the adaptable operator to perform and said: “In Turkey, he played under a number of managers and they shifted him here, there and everywhere.
“Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he almost did a No.6 role and he did it pretty well.
“Ideally, I would like to see him play infield – not wide – and perform in the way he can.
IN THE GOAL ROUTINE…Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates a strike for Liverpool.
“Alex can still take players on, although you have to get used to it again when you haven’t done it for a while.
“But he has made a good impression in the first few days.”
O’Neill, speaking to the Glasgow Times, added: “His control is very good and it’s a case of getting up to proper fitness.
“Alex always had a goal in him and if that’s been part of your make-up, you will want to get back to that.
“I think he can add something to our midfield.”
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Livingston tonight – only in your champion CQN.
