Martin O’Neill has warned that Celtic risk finding themselves in a precarious position if reinforcements are not secured during the January window and further injury problems emerge…
Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill reacts during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
O’Neill – back in charge for a second temporary spell this campaign – has repeatedly stressed the need for additions to bolster the squad.
Although right-back Julian Araujo made his first start in yesterday’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Dundee United after arriving prior to O’Neill’s return, the 73 year-old believes recruitment must continue in multiple areas. He acknowledged that the current group lacks depth and could quickly become stretched should injuries mount.
Martin O Neill with Julian Araujo. Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, 10 January 2026. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
When questioned again on whether he expects new arrivals to be completed imminently, O’Neill responded via Sky Sports: “Yeah, I am hopeful that we are going to get some people in. But just when you think that something might happen, things change around.”
“Listen, it’s not me filibustering. It’s just me feeling that until they’re over the line, I can’t come up and say that it’s happened.”
🗣️ “The whole team were terrific today”
🗣️ “We have to be up for it [title fight] 🗣️ “We need bolstering and the people to come in and help the players”Martin O’Neill has his say on Celtic’s win over Dundee United ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/FJ0ZCCYJ77
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 10, 2026
O’Neill added: “We obviously need to do it, even just to give help to the boys at present at the minute. Because this week, the week that’s just gone in, was the only week that we have had, since I’ve come to the football club, we have had a free week.”
“And from here on in, we go right through now to I don’t know how long, because we’re going midweek each time. So there’ll be no respite. If we pick up injuries to really key players here, we could be in serious trouble.”
Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates with team mates after scoring past Dundee United goalkeeper David Richards to give Celtic a 4-0 lead. Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 10 January 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock
O’Neill maintained that yesterday afternoon’s win has done little to alter the club’s recruitment priorities, reiterating that fresh additions remain essential, as he said: “Oh, it’s not changed to me. Not at all. We need some people in.”
“And we are, honestly, we are working on it. It doesn’t seem as if you believe me, but we’re actually working on it.”
Conor Spence
This January window period, was never going to be easy to negotiate, with the amount of complications involved within it imo?
Was the case, long before January even came upon ourselves. Hampered by the injury situation, along with the potential amount of want away players.
So for MoN, possibly has to address those situations, to help himself upon the decision making process that’s also required, within the squad building process for the remainder of this season?
A returning Saracchi and kelchi helps boost 2 positions.
Still a place available for another CB, possibly right side, especially with Murray not seeming to be making a strong enough claim for the position, for whatever reason?
Still potentially looking for clarity upon the Maeda and Yang situation also?
Personally don’t believe that we are in a position to lose either imo?
Still not seeing a future for Paulo, any longer with ourselves imo?
So potentially need cover for calmac and Engels within the set up of the team, within that position also.
Still don’t believe that nygren or McCowan are suitable options on the right side, especially when both seem more effective in the central midfield role, that Hatate occupied yesterday?
Balikwisha hasn’t even started to get going for ourselves yet, and still not convinced he even will either?
With not expecting much if anything from jota this season, then potentially another wide option is required, especially if Maeda is going to be used more so, in the striker role if he stays?
Also, consideration has to be given to the europa league campaign? Potentially another victory from our 2 remaining games, and we could find ourselves into the knockout phase?
Only 3 changes will be potentially available to the original named squad, and already Julian looks like being 1 of those changes?
So this nonsense of thinking that when we come calling, that players are queuing up to sign for ourselves, is just that,nonsense.
MoN and Maloney are going to have to work out a structured approach, where each player knows there role within the squad.
Even at that, we don’t know of the availability and time lines involved for certain players?
Then it’s about plugging the gaps that’s available within the squad.
Even the striker position, could have Maeda, Kelchi and Kenny available for the remainder of this season, in a few weeks time?
Do MoN and Maloney think that sufficient for the remainder of this season?
That’s a decision for themselves to be making, hopefully for our benefit?