Michael Nicholson reveals Celtic transfer plans as Everton-linked star’s injury update emerges

Celtic transfer business continues as Shaun Maloney provides Martin O’Neill and Alistair Johnston updates

Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney has confirmed that chief executive Michael Nicholson remains involved in transfer discussions despite Martin O’Neill’s recent health scare.

O’Neill underwent a minor procedure in hospital last week, ruling him out of the dugout for Sunday’s Scottish Premiership trip to Kilmarnock.

The Celtic boss still addressed his players before the match at the team hotel, before the champions produced an emphatic 5-1 victory at Rugby Park.

New signing Kasper Høgh stole the headlines with a hat-trick, while Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston also delivered impressive performances. Engels continues to attract interest from West Ham United, while Johnston has been linked with Everton.

Despite O’Neill’s temporary absence, Maloney insists Celtic’s recruitment plans have not been disrupted, with Nicholson continuing to work on the club’s transfer business.

Asked whether O’Neill’s absence had complicated Celtic’s plans in the market, Maloney said: “I don’t think so. The last time I spoke to Michael and Martin was after training, so I don’t think so.”

Celtic transfer plans continuing as normal

Maloney stressed that Celtic’s recruitment process remains unchanged and that the club are still pursuing the same players they had identified previously.

“Business is going on as normal. He’s still able to talk to Michael and the targets we have are still the same,” he explained.

“We have to respect what he’s been through and try to take some of the workload off him for a few days. But it’s all going on as normal and hopefully he’s back next week.

“We didn’t have contact during the game. He was at the team hotel and took the team meetings, speaking to the players. Then he told the staff to get on with it.”

Maloney admitted the entire Celtic group were relieved to see O’Neill looking healthier and in good spirits before the match.

“He was much better today, he was in good form and he spoke to the group. You know what he’s like, his only instruction was to go and win. That’s what he does,” Maloney said.

“We had a meeting on Saturday night. We went through his team selection, he picks what he thinks and he asks the staff. It was pretty normal.

“But I think it was a boost for all of us to see him. There is a real good bond between the boss and the players. I’m glad he spoke to them before we left. It had a real positive impact.”

Maloney added that O’Neill’s return will depend on how he feels and the advice of his medical team.

“It will be up to him when he feels good enough. If the doctors are happy then he’ll just come back in,” he said.

Johnston injury update after Kilmarnock win

There was also some concern for Johnston after the Everton-linked defender was withdrawn at half-time during Celtic’s comfortable victory.

Maloney played down the seriousness of the issue, suggesting the decision was precautionary.

“He felt something. That was just precautionary we hope,” he said.

“He was brilliant, as were the two in front, Callum McGregor and Arne Engels.”

Celtic will now hope Johnston’s issue proves minor, while O’Neill’s improving condition should allow him to gradually resume his duties as the club’s summer transfer activity continues.