Martin O’Neill Admits Interest in Celtic Defender As He Provides Update on His Future

Martin O’Neill has admitted Maik Nawrocki faces a difficult route into Celtic’s starting XI this season, with the manager acknowledging the competition already ahead of the Polish defender.

Nawrocki returned to Lennoxtown this summer after spending last season on loan at Hannover. The 25-year-old enjoyed a productive spell in Germany, establishing himself in the side as Hannover narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Bundesliga.

His performances attracted interest, but Hannover were unable to meet Celtic’s reported £3 million valuation. Other clubs in Germany are also believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

So far, Nawrocki has featured in both of Celtic’s pre-season friendlies against Shelbourne and Sporting CP. That has at least given him the chance to stake a claim, but O’Neill was honest when assessing where he currently sits in the pecking order.

“We have Cameron Carter-Vickers back, big Dane Murray whom I’ve got a lot of time for. Then you’ve got Liam Scales and you’ve got Auston Trusty at this minute.

“So, at the moment, we’ve got four. It’s going to be hard for him to battle through from that there.

“He’s a really nice lad, I think himself, if he thought that there was a future here for him, I think he would like to stay and battle. But he’ll know.

“Funnily enough, I’m going to have a conversation just to put it out plainly that’s in front of him.

“If he fancies that challenge, I’m not in any rush to send him on his way. If he thinks ‘Well, listen, that’s going to be hard to break through,’ then that’s something else.

“There’s teams that want to take him on loan, there’s teams that want to buy him, I believe, and that’s great. You don’t want to stop his momentum.” (The Celtic Way)

It is a realistic assessment of Nawrocki’s position. Cameron Carter-Vickers remains the first name on the teamsheet when fit, while Liam Scales, Auston Trusty and Dane Murray all provide competition in central defence.

For Nawrocki, the next few weeks could shape the next stage of his career. Another season spent on the fringes would do little for a player who rebuilt his confidence with regular football in Germany.

Equally, if he believes he can force his way into contention, Celtic appear willing to give him that opportunity. O’Neill made it clear there is no desire to move him on for the sake of it.

Interest from elsewhere means the club are not short of options. Whether that results in a permanent move, another loan or Nawrocki remaining at Celtic Park for the season is likely to become clearer before the transfer window closes.