Chris Sutton picked up on a noticeable change in Martin O’Neill’s demeanour ahead of Celtic’s Europa League clash with Bologna.
As three thousand Celtic fans were over in Italy, digging into the bolognese and sipping their beer, Chris Sutton tuned into Martin O’Neill’s press conference on Wednesday night.
The usually sharp and witty interim boss was more subdued than normal during his pre-match press conference, something Sutton felt reflected the manager’s growing frustration with the club’s slow-moving transfer window.
Writing in the Daily Record, Sutton said:
“I did notice some of the one-liners had disappeared as he addressed the media prior to the match in Italy, which may tell you a story of its own over how he’s feeling about the slug-like transfer business.
“He is still waiting for more arrivals which are still clearly needed and Martin is going to have to pitch a striker straight into a huge game hoping, than knowing, he can cope.”
O’Neill’s low-key tone came just before Celtic confirmed the loan signing of Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Monchengladbach, the club’s first striker addition of the window.
But whatever was going on behind the scenes, it was a team full of heart, fight and determination that turned up in Italy. The performance has lifted the mood considerably, showing that, regardless of the transfer delays, this is a Celtic side still ready to scrap for silverware.
That same spirit will need to be on full display again on Sunday as the Hoops travel to face league leaders Hearts in a massive Premiership clash.
Cvancara is in contention for a start and could make his debut in the biggest game of Celtic’s season yet. With Kenny out and Iheanacho just returning, the timing couldn’t be better.
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