Martin O’Neill rules out transfer business in key area

Martin O’Neill has no plans to sign any central defenders.

With just two arrivals in the 10 weeks since winning the Scottish Cup it appears that there is still lots of work to be done.

Since that day at Hampden Kelechi Iheanacho, Daizen Maeda and Marcelo Saracchi have left the club.

Offers have come in for Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels.

O’Neill has plenty of areas that need strengthened but right now the centre of defence isn’t one that he is looking at.

Asked about that area of his squad The Sun reports the Celtic boss saying:

No, not at the minute. Big Dane is two years behind because of injuries. I think he’s got a lot of potential. Scales and Trusty? Yeah.

With Carter-Vickers out last year, it was a bit of a problem because Trusty ended up playing on the right-hand side.

With Cameron back now, hopefully we’ve got a bit of balance. He’s getting there game-by-game.

I’d have to go back and watch some matches in the past when he was at his best but the coaching staff are telling me they think he can get back to what he was, which would be very encouraging.

Central defence might not be  a priority but it is an area that many fans would think that Celtic could be looking to strengthening.

Last season Jamai Simpson-Pusey and Ben Arthur were brought in on loan to provide options. Arthur started matches at Pittodrie and Ibrox.

O’NEILL CONFIDENT IN HIS EXISTING DEFENSIVE OPTIONS

The four central defensive options aren’t without a few areas of concern.

After missing seven months of last season and the World Cup Finals, Cameron Carter-Vickers has to be monitored closely as he returns to competitive action.

Auston Trusty is returning late to training after three weeks off following his World Cup involvement.

Other than a five month stint at Queens Park in season 24/25 Dane Murray hasn’t played any  regular senior football.

With the transfer window having a month to go Celtic fans will be hoping that there is an increase in transfer activity. Incoming.

More arrivals of the quality of Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran would be welcome. With almost every area of the team in need of improvement.

Celtic have to register their Champions League squad on August 13. Two changes can be made 24 hours before the first leg on August 18 or 19. The Play Off draw will take place on Monday.