sql_thegoals360_Martin O’Neill has moved to steady the nerves of Celtic supporters by insisting the club are “really trying” to secure a first January signing, even as the prospect of seeing Jota again this season appears to be fading fast.
Celtic have already acted in the early days of the window, recalling centre-back Stephen Welsh from his loan spell at Motherwell and bringing in Mexican defender Julian Araujo on a temporary deal from Bournemouth. Those moves came amid upheaval behind the scenes, with manager Wilfried Nancy and head of football operations Paul Tisdale both departing earlier this month.
O’Neill, back in interim charge for the latest chapter of his long association with the club, began his spell emphatically with a 4-0 win over Dundee United at the weekend. The 73-year-old is eager to build on that momentum and accepts that further reinforcements will be required if Celtic are to sustain a serious push in the second half of the campaign.
He revealed that several proposed targets have already been “discarded”, but stressed that progress is being made. “We are really trying, honestly, and obviously, selfishly, and as I said to you, I don’t have any impediments from board level,” O’Neill said, with Celtic currently sitting third in the William Hill Premiership and eyeing the chance to overtake Rangers when they travel to Falkirk on Wednesday night.
“I think we all want to try to do something, which is great. So I’m not blaming anybody. We will try and get people in,” he added, conceding that the realities of the market may yet force compromises, including short-term loan deals for players not viewed as long-term solutions.
O’Neill admitted he would prefer to move faster but acknowledged the obstacles involved, from negotiating with clubs to persuading players who may opt for other destinations. “If I, myself, had a bit more preparation for it, then I maybe could have worked a bit more quickly,” he said.
There was less encouragement on the injury front. Jota has not featured since damaging his knee against Dundee United in April last year and, despite earlier optimism, O’Neill delivered a sobering assessment. “In terms of the long-term injuries, I don’t see Jota being back this season,” he said, although Alistair Johnston could yet return around March.
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