Martin O’Neill has again stressed the need for Celtic to move quickly in the transfer window as a major league test approaches.
The Irishman was speaking with the visit to Hearts at Tynecastle now firmly in view, despite facing Auchinleck on Sunday in the Scottish Cup. With the gap in the table still narrow, the timing of any new arrivals has taken on added weight.
Celtic face a demanding spell that leaves little room for delay. European commitments come first, but domestic priorities are close behind. O’Neill has been clear that the squad needs help sooner rather than later.
The Hearts match sits at the centre of that thinking. Tynecastle is never an easy place to go, and the points on offer could shape the weeks that follow. Celtic know that slipping further behind would make the task harder.
January has already brought plenty of noise around possible deals. What has mattered more is when players can actually come through the door and be ready to play. O’Neill’s comments focused on that practical side rather than names.
He said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “To me, it’s essential (to bring players in as soon as you can). Absolutely essential. I think we know that.
“Obviously, we can’t change the squad around for the Bologna game.
“But all next week, we would like to have some people in for Hearts, if it was at all possible.”
Celtic’s trip to Bologna now looks set to be handled by the current group. There is no scope to reshape things before that game, which places a clear line in the calendar. Anything done after that point is aimed squarely at domestic action.
The Hearts match carries extra meaning because of the league position. Celtic are chasing ground, and points at Tynecastle would have real value. Fresh faces could help shift the balance in a tight contest.
O’Neill’s words show that the club is pushing for speed rather than perfection. January windows rarely allow calm planning, and delays can cost momentum. Getting players in early next week would give them a chance to settle before a demanding away day.
As the window moves on, pressure will remain on those working behind the scenes. Celtic’s needs are clear, and the manager has not hidden that fact. The focus now is on turning intent into action before the Hearts game arrives.
