Martin O'Neill has revealed he is on the way to recovery after a health scare forced him to undergo a small procedure in hospital last week. The Celtic boss spoke for the first time since the procedure, expressing relief at his improving condition.
Recovery and Recent Form
In an interview with Celtic TV, O'Neill said: "Better than last week anyway. Yeah, a couple of ailments rolled into one, unfortunately. But I'm getting there, which is good news." He also praised the team's 5-1 dismantling of Kilmarnock at the weekend, particularly the performance of £11m striker Kasper Hogh, who scored a hat-trick at Rugby Park.
O'Neill highlighted the importance of having a prolific striker, noting that last season the team often tried to walk the ball into the net. He said: "Most of last season we were looking as if we were trying to walk it into the net. You know, we didn't have anybody really who had the ability to head the ball." He expressed hope that Hogh's presence would reduce the need for such precision.
New Signing Haissem Hassan
The Celtic boss spoke after £6million winger Haissem Hassan completed his move from Spanish side Real Oviedo. O'Neill revealed the club had been tracking Hassan since January, but Oviedo were unwilling to let him go at that stage. He said: "We have been chasing him, a number of players in that sort of position that we feel as if they will add something to us. And he very, very much fitted the bill."
O'Neill praised Hassan's attributes, saying: "Going past players now is a sort of a dying art, that's almost unforgivable in football. That's what fans get excited about." He added that he is delighted to have secured the winger.
Transfer Strategy and Squad Flexibility
Celts are also closing in on deals for Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur and a season-long loan swoop for Chelsea kid Landon Emenalo. O'Neill emphasised that this window is about quality rather than quantity, saying: "I think this is what we've tried to do." He acknowledged the challenge of balancing player departures with maintaining quality, noting the financial pressures in the game.
He also discussed the need for tactical flexibility, mentioning Camilo Duran, who may play out of position. O'Neill said: "I think we have to be a bit more flexible in our teams as well, too."
Upcoming Fixtures
The Hoops have until tonight to register their squad for next week's crucial Champions League play-off against LASK, but can add two more players up until Tuesday. O'Neill acknowledged the difficulty of the tie against the Austrian champions, saying: "It'll be terrific. Honestly, it'll be absolutely terrific. I'm sure the atmosphere will be incredible."
Before that, Celtic face Dundee United in a Premier Sports Cup clash at Tannadice on Saturday night. O'Neill warned: "The game on Saturday evening will be difficult for us. We know that Dundee United have played exceptionally well against Rangers." He stressed the need to be at it right from the start, with the team aiming to build on their recent performance.
