Martin O’Neill has confirmed Celtic are trying to sign another left-back to provide cover for Kieran Tierney.
Speaking to BBC Sport Scotland after Celtic’s 1-0 win over Dundee, the Hoops boss admitted the squad needs another senior option in that position.
The Scotland international was one of Celtic’s best players, but O’Neill knows he cannot be expected to play every game across the season.
Asked if Celtic needed to bring in cover at left-back, he said: “Of course, of course, and that’s something we are definitely looking at.
“Kieran, with the best will in the world, will knock it through every single game, and if we are going to be playing in European football one way or the other, whatever it may be, yeah, it was a wee bit like last year.
“He was recovering and didn’t see some games out because he put so much into it, but I think that’s dead right, so we are looking along that way.”
O’Neill also said Celtic have young players coming through the academy, but made clear it is too soon to rely on them as Tierney’s main back-up.
“We’ve got some young lads in the academy, very, very fine players, but I think it’s a wee bit early for them,” he added.
That leaves left-back as one of the clearest areas Celtic still need to strengthen before the transfer window closes.
That lack of cover was clear against Dundee, with Alistair Johnston finishing the game at left-back after Tierney was replaced. It showed how short Celtic currently are in that area.
His assist against Dundee showed the quality he still brings on the left, but Celtic will need another dependable player there if they are to manage domestic football and their European campaign.
O’Neill has already said the club are working hard to add more quality before their Champions League qualifier later this month.
The search for another left-back is now out in the open, and Celtic will need to find the right option before the fixture list becomes more demanding.
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