Falkirk are five points clear of Dundee United and Aberdeen with a game in hand over both, and having won three of their last four games, are bettered only by Hibernian over that period. There is clear green water between them and fifth placed Hibs, but Falkirk’s spot as sixth in the table before the split looks secured.
Dundee were the only side to score against Falkirk during that four game run, when they withstood a 23-shot onslaught to win 1-0. A draw against Newco at the Falkirk Stadium led to ugly scenes and the departure of Russell Martin. Newco’s replacement survived a draw in the return fixture at Ibrox as John McGlynn’s proved he is a manager of substance.
Their trips to Celtic Park this season have been less successful. A 4-1 defeat saw them exit the League Cup, before a 4-0 Celtic win in Martin O’Neill’s first game in charge this season. Johnny Kenny scored the opening two goals that night, how he would like to rekindle that kind of confidence.
As things stand, I am far from convinced of our title credentials (the news we will be without Jota for a whole season did not help in this respect), however, credentials are established on plastic pitches and cold nights in places like Falkirk. Martin and Shaun’s wizardry will be tested.
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Hail hail
I’m sure Martin and Shaun would appreciate first team ready additions to rely on rather than wizardry. Harry Potter’s book of spells won’t be of much use to Martin if he finds himself bringing in Johnny Kenny in need of a goal tonight.
Nothing to say about lack of strikers
The news about Jota is really disappointing.
Love his flair, in my opinion, the best winger in Scotland.
We need a centre forward immediately.
Maeda, for all his work rate misses too many chances.
Likewise Kenny. I still think there is a good player to emerge, but we cannot be dropping points while the evolution takes place.
Martin and Shaun are getting the best out of the present squad, but how long can this last ?
The Nancy/Risdale fiasco has left us in a position where every point, every goal, is precious.
No room for error tonight bhoys.
Wonder whether any Scottish teams will strengthen their playing squad over the coming days and weeks?
Would certainly be a boost to their manager, coaching staff, current squad and fan base.
Heaven help us if we drop points tonight.
The news on Jota comes as no surprise. He suffered a serious injury at the end of last season and 12 months is a typical recovery period for an ACL rupture.
CCV also suffered a serious injury and we might expect a similar timescale. Ruptured achilles is a two stage recovery before a return to training can be considered.
I was heartened to hear MON suggest that AJ might be back in the Spring, but again he oughtn’t be rushed. We did that last time, he lasted 18 minutes and here we are.
Wee Callum Osman hasn’t been mentioned lately. Let’s hope he’s coming along quietly. There was a suggestion that he had an avulsion fracture of the hamstring tuberosity which would need an op and a phased rehab but there’s been no confirmation.
As always, reliable info of this type is thin on the ground and much of the above is crude inference and none of it to be relied upon.
From an article in the Herald this morning. what an absolute shambles. Sounds like we can look forward to lots of loans.
From the outside looking in, Celtic’s recent transfer windows have been about as organised as a TK Maxx store. An astounding 351 days on from his exit, the Parkhead club have yet to replace Kyogo Furuhashi.
Kelechi Iheanacho joined on a free transfer at the end of the summer to make up for Adam Idah’s move to Swansea, although the Nigerian striker has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch.
The gaps in the current squad are apparent, and as vital time marches on in the January window, fan concerns continue to grow.
“You’re trying to identify the right player as much as you possibly can,” said Martin O’Neill, who returned as interim manager last week for the second time this season after the sacking of Wilfried Nancy. “And had I known I would have been staying on as interim manager, then a lot of work would have been done beforehand.
“It’s me trying to catch up as much as anything else. There are loads of players out there, and a lot of the players you’d want as you believe they’d definitely improve things, you have to do some work for it.
“Now, some other teams may be ploughing on. But clubs like Rangers must have known about the players they’re signing. Their manager, during a period of time, have known about them. And I didn’t know. Don’t get me wrong, I am getting help in the background here, which I need, obviously.
“But if it’s not people for a long-term process for us – and it’s players who can help and see us over the line for the next few months – then that’s something we’d be doing.
“Look, let’s say I had been in here since the summertime and I was going to be spending the full year here. I would have had a reasonable amount of work done for the January transfer window. But I haven’t done that.
And the games have become so important for us. The [margin] for error for us is so small now in terms of we can’t catch up those matches we’ve lost. So the games become a real focus.
“Now I’m doing as much work as I possibly can, and so are all the backroom staff. I’m hoping we can get proper people in who can drive us on, even if it’s only to the summertime.
Let’s say I sign three players now that I thought were good enough. I think I’ve got a reasonable eye. It’s not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. But let’s say I had. And let’s say you spend some decent money on those players, and the new manager comes in and he doesn’t fit a system for them, or he doesn’t like them, or something like that.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m still selfish enough that I want to try and get some people in to carry us over the line. But if I thought that there was somebody worth paying really decent money for, and I’m telling you I don’t care what manager comes in in the summertime, he will like this player, then I will do it.”
O’Neill has been clear that signing a reliable striker is a priority this month. “I am in the process of looking at these,” the Celtic manager continued. “Now, if I was an agent and was looking to sell a player, then I’d be showing the club a few snippets and clips of that player where the fella looks great. But I have to trawl through the 90 minutes of that game.
Even if it turns out to be the best game he’s ever played, it gives you a better idea of what he can do. Away back in my first spell as manager, I had time to do that before I was bringing people in.
“At Aston Villa, for instance, I had four months in my first year before we brought in Shaun Maloney, who I knew from my Celtic days. I also brought in a big fella named John Carew, that I knew. And Ashley Young, whom I’d seen three or four times for Watford. I had that all prepared.
“Unfortunately, it’s me, and I haven’t got this prepared now at this minute. Because I had Christmas at home, not expecting this. Yes, things have been put to me, and I’m trying to do as much as I can. Eventually, I may just have to rely on someone else’s judgement, like Shaun’s or Fozzy [Mark Fotheringham] or someone else, and then go for it.
“I’m not saying something here now, so that three months down the line I’m doing an interview saying ‘well, it was their fault.’ No, it’ll be down to me. It’s a difficult one.
“If Rangers and Hearts have had a head start then, at this minute, I can’t do much about that. The focus, really, for me, has been the immediate game. I will then start thinking about it [transfers] again on Thursday morning.”
Historically, Celtic have had considerable success with January loan signings at the top end of the park. Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy each came in mid-season and made immediate impacts.
“Is there a potential for that kind of… Not that level, but an experienced loan signing, striker, like that kind of thing. Well, I’ve naturally been searching around for it,” O’Neill said. “There are only so many days you can hold things. But there are a couple of players that I like, and I’ve spoken to the clubs and seen the possibility. But they also need to get people in.
“But then there’s only so many days you can hang on to something that might not materialise. And I don’t want to be kind of stuck on that last day, if that’s the case.”
don’t know that because I haven’t asked that question,” O’Neill added when pressed on guaranteed transfer funds. “I haven’t asked that question. If this were the summertime and you had that period of time to look at it, and I was still there, which I won’t be, but if I’d been the normal manager here, and that’s the first question you’d be asking, listen, where do we go? What do we do? This is it.
“With respect, I am still the interim here. I’m not so sure I would be asking that type of thing for players.”
With Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale having left alongside Nancy, questions have lingered over who is identifying potential transfer targets and making the crucial phone calls.
Coaching trio Maloney, Fotheringham, and Stephen McManus have taken on a greater role in recruitment, with O’Neill having the final say.
“Well, we’re sharing it, but eventually it’ll be done,” said O’Neill. “But there are only so many calls I can make in a day. But we are actually furiously working… Once you leave here, I’ll be back up on the phone again.
“You’re just dealing with one at a time. Honestly, we’ll get some people in. It’s just that when you mention about Rangers and Hearts [doing deals] and I go out of here, oh, good Lord. You don’t make me feel great. ”
World Class,Nicholson out
In case any of you missed it earlier in the papers, this is what Martin said yesterday on the sorry state he is dealing with:
argon O’Neill has been forced to take charge of signings – with help from assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham – as he laid bare the mess left behind by binned recruitment chief Paul Tisdale.
Celtic are gearing up for a huge fortnight and O’Neill said: “I agree, it is vital, I’m well aware I’m not going to minimise it. I promise I am not sitting on my backside, I’m trying my best. I’d be very hopeful of bringing a few in. I am in the process of looking at these.
“Away back in my first spell as manager, I had time to do that before I was bringing people in. I had that all prepared. Unfortunately, it’s me, and haven’t got this prepared now at this minute. Because I had Christmas at home, not expecting this.
“Yes, things have been put to me and I’m trying to do as much as I can. “Eventually, I may just have to rely on someone else’s judgement, like Shaun’s or Fozzy or someone else, and then go for it. I’m not saying something here now, so that three months down the line I’m doing an interview saying ‘well, it was their fault.’ No, it’ll be down to me.
“It’s a difficult one. If Rangers and Hearts have had a head start then, at this minute, I can’t do much about that.
You’re just dealing with one at a time. Honestly, we’ll get some people in. “It’s just that when you mention about Rangers and Hearts and I go out of here, oh, good Lord. You don’t make me feel great!”
O’Neill has been left to source and sign players – while also keeping Celtic on track in the title race.
The boss said: “Well, we’re sharing it, but eventually it’ll be done. But there’s only so many calls I can make in a day. But we are actually furiously working. It doesn’t sound as if it’s me having some tea and relaxing here and things.
“Once you leave here, I’ll be back up on the phone again. The games have become so important for us. The margin of error is so small now as we can’t catch up those matches we’ve lost. So the games become a real focus.”
O’Neill won’t flinch if the right permanent deal is available but he’s mainly shopping in the loan market.
And he’d love a blockbuster move like the swoop for Wales superstar Craig Bellamy during his first spell at the club.
O’Neil said: “Craig was relatively decent in that he had a fall-out with the manager of Newcastle at the time (Graeme Souness). He wanted to come to us so it was pretty straightforward. And as it turned out, he was great for us during those few months.
“But listen, it’s a changing world, isn’t it? I’ve naturally been searching around for it. There’s a couple of players that I like and I’ve spoken to the clubs and seen the possibility.
“But they are also needing to get people in. But then there’s only so many days you can hang on to something that might not materialise. I don’t want to be kind of stuck on that last day, if that’s the case.
“There are loads of players out there, and a lot of the players you’d want as you believe they’d definitely improve things, you have to do some work for it. Now some other teams may be ploughing on.
“But clubs like Rangers must have known about the players they’re signing. Their manager, during a period of time, have known about them. And I didn’t know. Don’t get me wrong, I am getting help in the background here which I need, obviously.
“But if it’s not people for a long-term process for us – and it’s players who can help and see us over the line for the next few months – then that’s something we’d be doing.”
O’Neill is also braced for bids for his own players with Daizen Maeda, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate all linked with moves
But he said: “I’ll see what happens. I’m not desperate to let anyone go. But if something comes in that I think suits the club and I have a replacement then it’s not a problem. I’d like to get players in before we think about players going out.”
Linked to a left winger for some reason https://x.com/i/status/2011397041444790397
The Bada Bing – Snap 😂
DeniaBhoy- so who would you put in charge of transfers?
Who would you buy?
Coming soon…..
From previous article….
The hand of God on 14th January 2026 9:31 am
“Kev , we are all very grateful for the humanitarian concern you show to your fellow human beings regarding the ” vax”….”
……
Your lack of concern is also noted.
HH
oot.
11 months on from Munich we are having our title credentials tested by a team that were playing third tier football two years ago. Sums up the ambition of the club.
Never mind – maybe we can convert Welshy into a striker!
From previous article….
An Tearmann on 14th January 2026 10:53 am
…….
Coherent English please.
You sound like sumdy oot ae Star Trek. Thanks
Apologies to any Star Trek fans.
HH
oot.
https://www.glasgowworld.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-transfer-race-burnley-bundesliga-ace-martin-oneill-5474937
Winger move back on?!
https://celtsarehere.com/jocelin-ta-bi-celtic-fc/
Maybe Jota knows that Wilf-2 will be on the way when auld MON leaves so he wants out?!
HH
oot.
The loss of Jota for the season is a blow and comes at a time when we could do with a bit of luck which injuries and recovery often are. According to Martin it’s talking longer than had been imagined, the January or February return that Brendan talked about has been put back by a minor setback and a small operation. Martin sounded disappointed not to be able to get the chance to work with him but suggested that it’s not something that will affect him after he’s back.
Disappointing but the sort of setback we need to deal with and move on from quickly
Tonight, do as Martin said; get early goals, put the game to bed and come away with no extra injuries.
Holy feck……
Celtic have once again expressed an interest in bringing David Datro Fofana to the club after a failed attempt during the summer window.
The Chelsea striker is available, with the London side currently working on a permanent exit for the 23-year-old.
Source: Fabrizio Romano
Have we been linked with Jamie Vardy again yet?
In the 25/26 season, Rangers have spent approx €36m on incoming transfers, Celtic have spent approx €15m (Tansfermkt)
It isn’t rocket science to see why we are where we are
Meanwhile huns get a winger in
Only thing we are World Class in,is getting linked with players
Even Man City Wummans team have spent 600k….
We all know that the structure of the club is a shambles – coming on here and repeating the same stuff day in and day out isn’t insightful and certainly doesn’t bestow some intellectual superiority (although one or two seem to think it does).
This is backs to the wall time until the summer – every chance that implies loans rather than buys.
Rangers have just signed a €14m player on loan with an option to buy
The Celtic situation really is a disgrace
Season tickets should not be renewed in the absence of a significant change of direction
So the conventional wisdom is that transfers should be decided but the football department
The conventional wisdom was that Brendan’s time was up, that Wilfried needed sacked, that our head of scouting, Jay Lefevre, needed to go, that our head of football operations needed to go. So in the last three months everyone responsible for bringing players in needed to go.
Up until 2 weeks ago a head of football and manager looking for players to fit a very specific playing system. Now we don’t have either and play a different way.
You really cant call for the heads of everyone responsible for signing players and then criticize the club for not having people in place to do it. Or at least have some sort of understanding of the affect on the football club that demanding sacking them has.
Michael Kadlec?
Kev ‘Racist i repeat a 3rd time, next time I will employ an immigrant to translate for you
Thee Kev Racist.
You are a unionist now(working class your not)
20 years and still nowhere near
Your sap with sap sources(even your para can’t sort)
Just a dirty racist underneath it eh kevracist
Black people,brown people,you hate.
Easy being hun like after 20 years of nuhhin
A void you fill with racism
Long may you be crippled inside kevracist
Pity your heid is in̈vaded with racism
Your heid is a septic tank for every crank site goin.
Just a usedbogroll of a racist
Standing with brit inspired pishtriots
Fleg sookers and shekel taking paytriots
Aye the racist column typing brigade
Not looking forward to a united ireland eh.
Paid brit scum
Less than 2%
We always see you,your confusion is quite brilliant
But
Yir just a skanky racist and like your shat oot symbol of the union a dirty wee racist,enjoy writhing in your shite
Ignore and deflect in full operational mode, then.
Pravda could learn a thing or two on here.
No new strikers/additions because we have no-one in place to scout, select and recruit.
Top class organisation my arse!
The rot started long before BR left.
Nicholson and the board are charlatans who, it would seem, only care about their renumerations, have done a fine job.
No proper football department in place at a club like Celtic is a disgrace.
Thank you DD, Lawwell, Nicholson and the rest.
I would be very happy with 2 or 3 first team ready loans in key posi tions to get us over the line.(keane, Bellamy profile)
A complete rebuild and reset in the summer and we go again, but this season is” needs must”
Celtic board are set to report Hearts and Sevco to the SFA for rule breaking .
No messing about and signing players isn’t allowed.
FFP. For Finding Players? What a waste of time that was, por cierto.
bournesouprecipe on 14th January 2026 1:31 pm
Funny, painful and true
..
What happened to all the players who self-serving Brendan – supposedly – knocked back? Have all of their phones broken at the same time?
Or was it just that they weren’t very good?
Hearing a concerted attempt to sack West Midland’s Chif Constable Craig Guildford…..
A rearguard action you might say.
His crime? Banned thousands of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from arriving on the Aston area of Birmingham late last year….on grounds of a serious risk to public order. (Wonder what might be behind that risk)
True hasn’t helped himself in recent appearances before House of Commons Select Committees, relying it seems on AI.
Memo to those on here also known to use AI to try and make a point….if you think its’ smarter than you….
It probably is