Five things on Martin O'Neill's January wish list including new keeper, fresh attacking options + cover in key area
Five things we think the interim Celtic boss will be asking for in the January transfer window
Martin O’Neill is back as Celtic interim boss much earlier than he anticipated following a turbulent month for the champions under the management of now departed head coach Wilfried Nancy.
Saturday’s 3-1 Old Firm loss to Rangers was the final straw for the Hoops board as they decided to sack the Frenchman after just eight games and 33 days in charge, with club legend O’Neill almost immediately reinstalled as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
The 73-year-old Irishman will now be tasked with navigating a January transfer window and retaining the Premiership trophy as he looks to turn around Celtic’s stuttering campaign, both domestically and in Europe.
Nancy lost six of his eight games across all competitions, leaving O’Neill to pick up the scraps. And following his re-appointment on Monday evening, the popular fan favourite admitted he was eager to add to his squad as soon as possible.
“I think that we would have to supplement the squad in some capacity,” he said. “We’ll have to do that if it’s at all possible. January windows are difficult, difficult to get the players that you probably want at the football club but we do need to supplement it and we’re going all out to try and do that.”
Here’s a look at five things we think O’Neill will be asking for almost a week into the transfer window:
New striker remains a top priority
A huge problem area that O’Neill must somehow rectify over the coming weeks. First-choice centre forward Kelechi Iheanacho is too injury-prone and Johnny Kenny looks bereft of confidence based on recent outings. There’s rumours that Daizen Maeda could be on the move, so it’s crucial that Celtic prioritise the striking department. Jocelin Ta Bi and Nacho Laquintana are just two names who seem to be on the club’s radar.
More cover needed at centre-back
While no central defenders have been linked with the Parkhead giants, it’s a necessity that Celtic bolster that area. Unsurprisingly, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey’s loan deal has been cut short by Manchester City while Auston Trusty and Liam Scales has struggled for consistency in recent times. With Cameron Carter-Vickers still sidelined, more cover is need.
Someone to provide back-up for Callum McGregor
The long-serving Hoops skipper is no spring chicken anymore. Former boss Brendan Rodgers want to lure him to Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah and while that type of transfer could appeal to the 32-year-old as he enters the latter stages of his career, Celtic will be desperate to keep hold of their influential midfielder, who still has two years left to run on his contract. Should he stay put, Celtic should be looking at bringing in someone capable of filling his boots. Luke McCowan is not the answer and is remains to be seen if the returning Odin Thiago Holm can establish himself in the starting line-up following a disappointing loan spell at LAFC in the MLS.
Another replacement on right-hand side
With the recent arrival of AFC Bourenmouth right-back Julian Araujo on loan, Celtic have already recognised the need to strengthen their right-hand side with Alistair Johnston still out through injury and now expected to return until February. Back-up Anthony Ralston has also been struggling for form, so it was no surprise to see Araujo recruited on a temporary basis. There could be another new arrival on the right wing with Yang Hyun-jun linked with a move to Birmingham City once again.
New goalkeeper required
.There’s no doubts that the vast majority of Celtic supporters would welcome a new shot-stopper through the door after a poor first half of the campaign from Kasper Schmeichel. The Danish veteran lost his place in the starting XI briefly over the festive period with understudy Viljami Sinisalo given the nod against Livingston on December 27. However, the Finnish international failed to seize his big opportunity, conceding twice to the league’s bottom side.