Shaun Maloney has addressed the possibility of Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston leaving Celtic as the Hoops prepare for their upcoming Champions League tie against LASK.
Both players have attracted interest this summer, with their futures continuing to be discussed as Celtic work through the final weeks of the transfer window.
The timing of any possible departures is now particularly relevant with European football on the horizon.
Speaking to TCW after Celtic’s 5-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, Maloney was asked whether the club could effectively ignore approaches for Engels and Johnston until after the LASK games.
Maloney said: “I think Michael and Martin will probably be able to tell you the exact plan or strategy around any of the outgoings in terms of related to the Champions League, the Champions League games.”
There was no suggestion from Maloney that either player is close to leaving, but his answer leaves the timing of any potential sale open.
Celtic have a major decision to make if serious offers arrive while the LASK tie is approaching.
Maloney was full of praise for the Belgian after the game, revealing that Engels had asked to speak to him on Saturday and was determined to put in a strong performance.
For now, both remain Celtic players and part of the squad.
Any decision to allow either to leave, particularly around the Champions League fixtures, will be made higher up between O’Neill and Nicholson.
That leaves Celtic balancing interest in two regular starters against the need to have the strongest possible squad available for a tie which could shape the early part of their season.
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