By:
Mark Hendry
Martin O’Neill has reiterated a Brendan Rodgers message to the Celtic fans – but it has been ignored before.
The interim Hoops manager is in the midst of his third period taking charge of the club.
But it could be argued this is perhaps his most difficult stint during a January transfer window.
The winter market is notoriously difficult one to shop in and Celtic know that.
But they must make a better fist of this window than they did in the summer where they flopped.
O’Neill knows Celts need at least one new striker while a winger and a centre-half are also wanted.
The problem is, while the Scottish Premiership giants want to bring stars in, they have wantaway players themselves.
Daizen Maeda is one who was close to an exit in the summer.
Martin O’Neill Celtic comments mirror Brendan Rodgers’ words
He couldn’t be moved on as no replacement was lined up.
So clubs could make a move for the Japanese forward who has been a revelation in Glasgow.
That won’t happen under O’Neill, though, unless Celtic can sign someone in his place.
The 73-year-old’s conditions for selling – or loaning out – in this window are clear.
And they mirror former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers’ sentiments from back in the summer.
“I’ll see what happens. I’m not desperate to let anyone go.
“But if something comes in that I think suits the club and I have a replacement, it’s not a problem.
“I’d like to get players in before we think about players going out.”
O’Neill’s comments come in the aftermath of Rodgers’ Celtic resignation over similar issues.
The Irishman felt before he departed that the boardroom were perhaps not working with him to bring in talent.
And a promise the hierarchy made to refuse to sell before buying was also snubbed.
What Rodgers said about Celtic transfer business in summer
Adam Idah left Celtic for Swansea City back on deadline day despite the Scots not having a replacement lined up.
They earned £8million or so for the Republic of Ireland striker but had no time to reinvest.
And it was a decision made by the board which flew in the face of then-boss Rodgers who was not happy.
Rodgers had said, before selling Idah, that they would not allow him to leave without another forward in the door.
“There’s interest in Adam but, obviously, no one can leave here unless we get players in to replace.
“It’s as simple as that.
“There’s been negotiations and chatter around it, but I have to have players in here before I can consider letting anyone go.
“I just think it’s logical and it’s common sense. We’re really light in that area of the field.
“And I’m pretty sure there would be a number of clubs that would want some of our players.
“But there’s absolutely no way we can move anyone out unless we have absolute guarantees that there’s going to be people to come in to replace.”
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