Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has called for patience around January arrivals as the club look to close the six-point gap between themselves and league leaders Hearts.
O’Neill, who returned to Celtic in early January after Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous 33-day tenure, maintained his 100% domestic league record on Wednesday.
Benjamin Nygren’s goal in the 43rd minute was enough to seal a 1–0 win over Falkirk, although the manner in which they got themselves over the line was a concern.
Celtic recorded an expected goals total (xG) of just 0.77 from their eight shots, two of which were on target, compared to Falkirk’s 1.77 from 11 attempts off Kasper Schmeichel.
So far, only right-back Julian Araujo has been loaned out to the Parkhead club, although O’Neill has not been too concerned about the lack of activity during the transfer window.
“We are making progress and certainly by the end of the period we should have a number of players to complete this squad,” O’Neill told BBC Scotland.
“I thought my time was up here, so I didn’t expect to pick up the pieces and look at the players. Just give us a little time, cut me some slack and we’ll be fine.”
“The focus is on trying to win some football games, but the other aspect is to add some extra quality to help the players here.
“I know you’re thinking, we’re halfway through January now, but I think we’re relatively close.”
Celtic made eleven purchases this summer, nine of which were permanent, culminating in the transfer of Sebastian Tounekti from Hammarby.
It is believed that a striker or wide attacker is at the top of Celtic’s wish list, with O’Neill confirming that he is unlikely to call on Jota for the rest of the season.
Jota has been out of action since suffering a serious knee injury against Dundee United in April last year. It was hoped he would return in February to help the Hoops in the title challenge.
“Obviously I’m keen to strengthen the squad,” O’Niell added. “As far as long-term injuries are concerned, for example, I don’t see Jota coming back this season.
“I think Alistair Johnston will probably fight back, and he hopes to do that sometime in March, which would be great if that’s the case.
“But I don’t see the longer-term injuries.”
Celtic have already recalled Stephen Welsh from his loan at Motherwell. With Cameron Carter-Vickers still injured, O’Neill wanted cover for Auston Trusty and Liam Scales.
Welsh has impressed at Fir Park but Celtic’s interim boss insisted they had no choice.
“Number one, he’s our player. So that means something,” O’Neill said.
“He’s really enjoying himself at Motherwell and I understand from a playing perspective that now that he was back in action he might not have wanted to be disturbed.
“There was a cut-off point where we could bring him back and then send him back to Motherwell. That could happen.”
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