Martin O’Neill has asked for patience in the transfer market as he continues to rebuild his Celtic squad on the fly, admitting he wasn’t expecting to be back in the dugout at all this season.
The 73-year-old was speaking after Celtic edged past Falkirk 1-0 at the Falkirk Stadium, courtesy of Benjamin Nygren’s tenth league goal of the campaign. The result lifted the Hoops back into second place in the Premiership table, though they remain behind leaders Hearts.
It was very much all about the three points on Wednesday night, something Celtic are lucky to travel back to Glasgow with, after the home side missed some chances.
The Hoops weren’t at their best, but they achieved what they set out to do, and now they can prepare for the Scottish Cup tie on Sunday.
Asked about potential January signings, including confirmed interest in Croatian striker Franko Kovacevic, O’Neill appealed to supporters and the media for understanding given the circumstances of his return.
“I thought my time had been done here and so I wasn’t expecting then to pick up the pieces again and then look at players,” he told the BBC. “So just give us a little bit of time, cut me a little bit of slack and we’ll be okay.”
Celtic are still expected to add at least one striker before the window closes, with Kovacevic one of several names being monitored.
There will hopefully be a few other positions added to too, but a triker must be the priority for the Hoops.
