Liam Scales provides an assessment Celtic’s new signings

Liam Scales has shared his assessment of Celtic’s latest recruits as the club prepares for a packed run of games across three different competitions…

Julian Araujo of Celtic celebrates
Julian Araujo of Celtic celebrates during the Scottish Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic at Tynecastle Park on January 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

During the January window, the Scottish champions added five loan signings to their squad – Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, Benjamin Arthur and Joel Mvuka.

Tomas Cvancara celebrates scoring
Tomas Cvancara celebrates scoring Celtic’s opening goal. 01.02.2026 Celtic v Falkirk, Scottish Premiership Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

Speaking ahead of tonight’s home clash with Livingston, Scales said the newcomers have adapted quickly to life at the club and are already blending in with the group.

“It’s always good to get to the end of the window and [there’s] just no question of anyone coming or going, and you have your set squad,” he said via Celtic’s official YouTube channel.

Junior Adamu of Celtic
Junior Adamu of Celtic Celtic v Dundee, Scottish Gas Scottish Cup, Fifth Round, Football, Celtic Park, 07 February 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

“We obviously recruited well. All the guys we signed look really good, and they’re really good lads as well. They’ve settled in nicely. A few away games coming, they’re the times you can really try and gel. There are a lot of games coming up, so we’re going to need the whole squad.”

Benjamin Arthur, Celtic FC
Benjamin Arthur, Celtic FC. Photo Celtic FC

The Scottish FA announced the refereeing team for this evening’s fixture between the Hoops and Livingston, appointing Calum Scott as the match referee, with Jonathan Bell and Ross Nelson appointed as linesman.

Referee Calum Scott
Referee Calum Scott during the Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Motherwell at Tynecastle on 2 January 2025. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/ PSI

Meanwhile, VAR duties will be overseen by Chris Graham at Clydesdale House, with Gary Hilland supporting him as AVAR.

In other news, the SFA has also named the officials for Celtic’s trip to face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park this Sunday, confirming that Duncan Nicholson will take charge of the encounter.

Nicholson will be supported by Scott Anderson and Alastair Taylor as his linesmen, with Greg Aitken overseeing proceedings on VAR alongside assistant VAR Ryan Lee from Clydesdale House.

With Hearts beating Hibs at Tynecastle last night, the pressure is on Celtic and the Ibrox club to step up and close the gap again. Martin O’Neill’s men will be aiming to put a few goals by Livi and regain some ground regarding the goal difference as well.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order

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About Author

A current fourth year student studying History and Journalism, Media and Communications at the University of Strathclyde and now writing regularly about the Hoops for The Celtic Star.

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