By:
Mark Hendry
Martin O’Neill admits Celtic are desperate to add to their squad in this winter window.
But the interim Hoops boss did push back when discussing transfers after a 1-0 win over Falkirk.
O’Neill has been thrust into a difficult spot after Wilfried Nancy was sacked early in January.
The manager has had little time to prepare and he’ll have even less time to watch potential signing clips with the January transfer window already halfway through.
The Celtic board are at war with the fanbase and have been since pre-season.
Celts crashed out of the Champions League and then failed to properly strengthen their squad.
And that is where O’Neill showed a glimpse of frustration when asked about possible deals.
The context was regarding the boardroom and whether or not he feels backed by the hierarchy.
Martin O’Neill pushed back on Celtic transfer talk
And while the Irishman, 73, was honest, he did urge Premier Sports’ pundit “not to press”.
“Now, if you consider we’ve got a cup game here on Sunday and then a European game, the people we might try to bring in wouldn’t be available to play anyway.
“They certainly wouldn’t be able to play in the European game.
“So we’ve got a little bit of time. And please don’t press me, Stephen (Craigan).
“Don’t press me in that sense.
“You’re right to ask the question. Absolutely. No one is stopping me.
“We’re trying to do our best.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill reacts to his side’s win over Falkirk
“I didn’t think we played well…but we stuck it through.” ️
@sbk | 18+ | pic.twitter.com/JL84I7yGss
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 14, 2026
“I must’ve seen as many players in the last few days as I would have in about a decade.”
Scouting is well underway and targets have been identified.
A striker is necessary to go to the next level with Johnny Kenny struggling and Daizen Maeda inconsistent.
We at Pundit Arena understand Franko Kovacevic is of interest to the Scottish Premiership giants.
The Croatian forward has had a prolific campaign for NK Celje so far in Slovenia and would add much needed firepower.
The club also want another central defender as well as a wide man to compete with Jota injured.
Celts currently sit second in the Premiership table behind Hearts who are rampant.
Celtic transfer targets this January window
O’Neill watched on Wednesday evening as his players pushed through at Falkirk and nicked three points.
That took them to within six points of the Jambos who also won on the night.
The manager was satisfied with the victory but did acknowledge Celtic weren’t at their best.
He said: “We didn’t play particularly well, it was a struggle for long spells.
“We can play much better.
“It was a wee bit strange going from being brilliant on Saturday (vs Dundee United) to struggling.
“We saw the game through but there’s lots of things we can improve.
“Winning was the most important thing.”
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