Martin O’Neill ready to throw Celtic’s new Bhoys straight in at Pittodrie

Martin O’Neill has admitted he is ready to throw Celtic’s new Bhoys straight into action tonight against Aberdeen…

Miguel Freckleton of St Mirren scores the winner against Hearts — 3rd February 2026; SMISA Stadium, Paisley, St Mirren v Hearts; Miguel Freckleton of St Mirren heads the ball and scores in the 88th minute to make it 1-0 to St Mirren Photo Vagelis Geogariou

The Hoops can go within three points of league leaders Hearts following the Jambos’ 1-0 defeat to St Mirren in Paisley last night.

Celtic go into the game off the back of back-to-back home victories against FC Utrecht and Falkirk. The Dons – who are still without a permanent manager – were thrashed 3-0 by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park at the weekend.

Now, Martin O’Neill insists he has no qualms of throwing in new Bhoys Junior Amadu, Joel Mvuka and Benjamin Arthur.

Speaking via Celtic FC YouTube channel, O’Neill said: “I think there’s a bit of competition for places now. I genuinely believe that. And I think that can only be a good thing.

“Well, I think the first thing is that if you’re talking about differentiating between quality and numbers, we need people in because we can pick up injuries and suspensions after the transfer window, which was last night, that’s it over.”

Martin O'Neill salutes the travelling Celtic support. — Martin O’Neill salutes the travelling Celtic support after the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Bologna FC 1909 and Celtic FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

O’Neill added: “So whatever squad you have, that’s it, unless you pick somebody else up who’s been out of contract. So from that viewpoint, it’s fine, it’s nice to get a few people in, in different positions. And what do I think they can add? I think they can help.”

“I think they can help in the manner in which I think that the two new arrivals who have played some games for us have done really fine. I’m just happy with them, and if the rest of them make that sort of contribution, then I’ll be delighted.”

Celtic’s bid to bring in Mvuka ran into late complications when problems emerged during his medical checks, forcing the board to revisit the terms of the agreement. The initial £3m transfer from Lorient was subsequently altered, with the player arriving on a loan deal with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

O’Neill said: “Yeah, I’m not going into any great detail with him, I don’t think that that’s right, but it has ended like that there. He’s fine, everyone’s happy with the way that it has materialised. And we’ll see.”

“If you could make any sort of judgement, on somebody that you’ve spoken to for a couple of hours, he’s a really great lad, genuinely. And if his football matches his character, we’re in business.”

Here are the highlights from St Mirren’s win over Hearts last night….