Martin O’Neill and assistant Mark Fotheringham were spotted on a Saturday scouting trip while Celtic were not in action until Sunday night, and their destination was Fir Park, where Motherwell faced Ross County in Scottish Cup action.

The Steelmen ran out 1‑0 winners, with Tawanda Maswanhise on the scoresheet once again.

The 23‑year‑old forward has been one of the standout performers in the SPFL this season, and while Celtic bosses didn’t publicly confirm their reason for attending the match, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were there to watch exactly that kind of player. Maswanhise’s movement, goal threat and influence on the game would have given any observer plenty to like.

Celtic will be hoping to join Motherwell in the Cup’s last 16 when they take on Auchinleck Talbot later today, with the gaffer looking to take Celtic deep into the competition.

O’Neill has not ruled out signing players from within the Scottish Premiership, openly acknowledging there is “a lot of quality in Scotland”. With Celtic still in need of reinforcements before the transfer window closes, fans will be watching closely to see if Monday’s deadline yields movement from the league.

Earlier today, CeltsAreHere revealed that the Hoops are in talks with Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak‑Sakyi, but a disagreement over the structure of the deal is currently holding things up. Palace are reportedly open to letting the 23‑year‑old leave, but they would prefer any loan to include an obligation to buy at the end of the season, something Celtic are reluctant to agree to.

That stance has already proved problematic. Swansea City reportedly offered similar terms last week, only for the player to reject a move to Wales. Celtic, by contrast, are only prepared to proceed with a loan that includes an option to buy, protecting their financial position and reducing long‑term risk.

Rak‑Sakyi remains a promising target, but competition is stiff. Whether Celtic can bridge the gap in negotiations before February 2, the official transfer deadline, remains to be seen.

If Maswanhise was indeed the attraction for the Celtic pair yesterday, his latest performance only underlines why his name continues to crop up in discussions.