Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could make his Celtic debut on Wednesday night, with Martin O’Neill confirming there is a “possibility” supporters may see the new signing under the lights at Celtic Park.
The former England international completed his move at the weekend and was unveiled to the crowd ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie. While he was not signed in time to be included in the squad, Oxlade-Chamberlain watched on from the stands as Celtic edged past Dundee and has since been settling into his new surroundings.
Celtic return to league action with a 7.45 pm kick-off against Livingston, and there is growing anticipation that the midfielder could feature for the first time in green and white.
O’Neill has already stressed that Oxlade-Chamberlain is still building match fitness after a long spell without competitive football, meaning a start may be unlikely. However, a first appearance from the bench has not been ruled out.
Asked directly whether supporters could see the new arrival in action on Wednesday night, Martin O’Neill kept the door open.
“I haven’t picked a squad yet,” he said to Celtic TV. “But yeah, there’s a possibility.”
Even a brief cameo would be a first glimpse of what Oxlade-Chamberlain can bring at a crucial stage of the season. With the title race tightening and fixtures coming thick and fast, O’Neill will be weighing up how and when to introduce his experienced new option, but the prospect of a debut at Celtic Park is now very much on the table.
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