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
