Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has issued a direct challenge to the club's January transfer window signings, stating that the time has come for them to make a decisive impact on the Scottish Premiership title race. The Parkhead side bolstered their squad with six new additions last month, but to date, only defender Julian Araujo – originally signed under previous manager Wilfried Nancy – has consistently impressed.
Mixed Fortunes for New Arrivals
Of the other five signings, forwards Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu have managed just one goal each, while Norwegian winger Joel Mvuka has not featured since being substituted at half-time during his debut in the Scottish Cup against Dundee. In the recent 2-2 draw at Ibrox against Rangers, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was hooked at the interval, and Benjamin Arthur remained an unused substitute, leaving Araujo as the sole January recruit on the pitch at full-time.
O'Neill's Patience Wears Thin
While O'Neill has previously shown understanding towards the challenges faced by players joining a new club mid-season, he now expects tangible contributions. "Yes, that was the expectation anyway," O'Neill affirmed when asked if the signings could still influence the title race. "That's exactly what you want to do. We've taken players in who, whatever they say about it, they might be playing in big leagues. But this is demanding – no more demanding than going to Ibrox for a start."
He elaborated further, "But yes, now that they've seen what this is all about, you want them to come in and make the impact in the last couple of months of the season." Oxlade-Chamberlain, despite scoring a winning goal off the bench against Livingston, struggled with the frenetic pace of the Old Firm derby as Rangers raced into a two-goal lead.
Individual Assessments and Challenges
Reflecting on Oxlade-Chamberlain's performance, O'Neill noted, "I think that was understandable. This might sound ridiculous as Alex has played big, big games throughout his career, but when you haven't played for some time and are then thrown into that ... Whatever you talk about, the game is helter-skelter and so it was difficult for him in moments." He added, "He showed a little bit of class here and there, but overall, I thought it was difficult. But again, he'll settle it each day as he does more training. He'll get used to it."
O'Neill also addressed Mvuka's situation, urging the winger to overcome a forgettable debut. "I'm hoping there'll be a bit of disappointment," said the manager. "He found it difficult in the first half of the Dundee game. He's been out of the picture a little while, but he's trained very, very well." He also highlighted Benjamin Arthur's potential, stating, "One that you haven't mentioned is Big Ben (Arthur) who I believe will be a player in his career."
Fitness Concerns and Other Squad Updates
Forward Kelechi Iheanacho, signed as a free agent after the summer window, has been in and out of the squad since recovering from injury. Although available for the upcoming match against Aberdeen, O'Neill expressed concerns about his match fitness. "I don't think he's played that much during the course of the season, to tell you the truth. But I think he's got a good ability to hold it up. It's just in terms of full fitness and things, that's a bit of a concern," he admitted.
Contrary to speculation, winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha is fit and available despite not playing since January 18. O'Neill clarified, "No, he hasn't figured here at this minute. I do feel for him a little bit because my job is not to please everyone here at the football club. I don't think he's had a proper chance. He certainly hasn't had a proper chance under my time."
Hatate's Resurgence and Goalkeeping Situation
Meanwhile, O'Neill has challenged midfielder Reo Hatate to build on his impressive second-half display at Ibrox, where he scored a late penalty to salvage a draw. "It's up to him as the player," O'Neill emphasized. "This is it. Reo's been a really fine footballer here. It's been a tough old season for him. It's been a tough old season for the football club. So, if he could maintain that form, then he can be an asset to us."
With goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel still unwell, Viljami Sinisalo will retain his place in goal for the match against Aberdeen as Celtic aim to climb into second place in the Scottish Premiership table.
