Interim Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has openly admitted that the club's efforts to secure his first January signing have been hampered by the timing of his return to the dugout.
A Rushed Recruitment Drive
The 73-year-old Northern Irishman, who only resumed his role as boss last week following the departure of Wilfried Nancy, assured anxious supporters that the club is 'really trying' to bring in new players. However, he confessed that the lack of preparation time has prevented him from acting with the speed and decisiveness he would have preferred.
O'Neill, who began his second interim spell with a 4-0 victory over Dundee United last Saturday, stated that current preparations are 'not perfect'. He revealed that while some suggested targets have been discarded, the club is 'relatively close' to bolstering the squad ahead of the window closing.
Injury Blow and Defensive Reinforcements
In a significant update on the fitness front, O'Neill delivered disappointing news regarding winger Jota. The Portuguese attacker, who suffered a serious knee injury last April, is now likely to remain sidelined until the summer, dashing hopes of a return this season.
On a more positive note, defender Alistair Johnston could make a comeback as early as March. The club has already moved to strengthen defensively by recalling centre-back Stephen Welsh from his loan spell at Motherwell. The only new arrival so far this month is Mexico defender Julian Araujo, who joined on loan from Bournemouth before Nancy's exit.
Tierney Hails Return to Stability
Defender Kieran Tierney believes the squad is finally rediscovering its equilibrium with O'Neill and assistant Shaun Maloney back in charge. Reflecting on a turbulent period under Nancy, which included six defeats in eight games and losses in the Premier Sports Cup final and an Old Firm derby, Tierney emphasised the immediate positive impact.
'The first day we came back in and they were here, it was just like normal again,' said the Scotland international. 'We built up a good routine... and it just feels like we’ve picked up from there. This group of staff that’s come in, they’re so good at giving you confidence.'
O'Neill's side, currently third in the Scottish Premiership, have an opportunity to leapfrog rivals Rangers into second place with a victory away at in-form Falkirk on Wednesday night.
