MARTIN O’NEILL insists Celtic are “making some progress” in their search for much-needed reinforcements with their Premiership opener due a fortnight tomorrow when Dundee visit Parkhead.
The Hoops boss has lost out on striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who has joined Turkish outfit Bursaspor on a three-year contract, and left-back Marcelo Saracchi who has given up hope of a return to Parkhead after last season’s impressive loan from Boca Juniors.
The fans are growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of new faces and that was mirrored in the sparse attendance who bothered to turn up for the 1-1 friendly stalemate with Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
BIG HAND…Camilo Duran applauds as he completes a striking first appearance at Parkhead.
Camilo Duran, the champions’ only purchase since the transfer opened, netted the team’s goal with a thumping finish after David Strelec, a one-time target, had put the visitors ahead.
The Colombian frontman, who cost £5.5million from Qarabag, also claimed the Hoops’ strike in the 4-1 loss against Sporting Lisbon in Portugal during the week.
It’s clear other recruits are urgently required and O’Neill promised: “We WILL bolster the squad.
“We are making some progress. We’ll hopefully see a couple of new faces by the time we kick the season off.”
Reo Hatate, who was snubbed for the last two crucial encounters in the Premiership and Scottish Cup last season, made an appearance as a second-half substitute against Boro.
The Japanese midfielder is among the players tipped to quit the club this summer with continued reports concerning his compatriot Daizen Maeda and also Arne Engels.
Benjamin Nygren and Alistair Johnston have also been mentioned in despatches.
LET ME THINK…Martin O’Neill ponders Celtic’s next move.
In the midst of all the speculation, O’Neill is attempting to maintain his focus and is ready to welcome back his World Cup contingent.
Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston have already returned, but weren’t considered for yesterday’s game while six others, including Maeda, Nygren and Johnston, are on their way.
O’Neill, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “All round, I think it’s a balancing act for us and other teams who have had players at the World Cup.
“We’ve had a couple more back in the last couple of days and they weren’t going to be involved against Middlesbrough even though they wanted to.
“Next week they’ll have more training which will be good.”
AC Milan are due at Parkhead on Saturday in the Hoops’ final pre-season outing before the competitive action starts against Dundee on Flag Day, Monday August 3.
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