Martin O’Neill has confirmed Celtic are trying to add to the squad as pre-season gets under way at Lennoxtown.
The Celtic manager is preparing for his first full campaign since returning to the club, with players now beginning to report back for training ahead of the new season.
Speaking to Celtic TV, O’Neill said: “We’ll get pre-season, try and get a couple of players in to augment the squad and try and get going.”
That line will not go unnoticed. Celtic have work to do this summer, with several areas of the squad still needing attention before the competitive action begins.
A striker remains one of the main talking points, while left-back, centre-half, midfield and wide areas could all come into focus depending on exits and contract decisions.
O’Neill also linked squad additions to Celtic’s European preparation. With a Champions League qualifier waiting later in August, the manager knows there is not much time to get the group ready.
He said: “First of all, we’re talking about trying to augment the squad. Secondly, it’s getting players prepared both physically and mentally for those games, and that becomes very, very important.”
That makes the next few weeks crucial.
Celtic have already returned to Lennoxtown, but the squad O’Neill has now may not be the one he takes into the serious part of the season. Arne Engels is back amid growing transfer interest, Maik Nawrocki has returned from his loan spell at Hannover, and decisions still need to be made around Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with both deals due to expire on June 30.
O’Neill will want time to assess what he has, but he also needs support in the market. Celtic finished last season strongly, winning the double, yet the campaign also showed where the squad was stretched.
The manager has spoken in measured terms, but the message is clear enough. Celtic are looking to bring players in, and with Champions League football on the line, the timing of that business matters.
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