Martin O’Neill provides Celtic health update and reveals transfer priority

Martin O’Neill has given an encouraging update on his health after a recent hospital visit forced him to undergo a minor procedure.

The Celtic manager spoke publicly for the first time since the health scare after watching his side strengthen their squad with the arrival of Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo.

O’Neill revealed that he is recovering well and was able to focus on Celtic’s busy schedule, with the club also working on further additions before the transfer window closes.

The Hoops are understood to be progressing with a deal for Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur, while a loan move for Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo is also being explored.

With Celtic preparing for a crucial Champions League play-off against LASK, the timing of the club’s transfer activity is particularly important. The Hoops have until tonight to register their squad for next week’s first leg, although they can still make two further additions until Tuesday.

O’Neill was particularly pleased to finally land Hassan, a player Celtic had been tracking for some time.

The winger’s move from Oviedo had been on the club’s radar since January, but the Spanish side were unwilling to sell midway through the season.

“He very, very much fitted the bill. So delighted that he’s here and hopefully he’ll do well,” O’Neill said.

The Celtic boss believes Hassan can bring something increasingly valuable to the modern game: the ability to take defenders on and create problems.

O’Neill suggested that supporters and teammates still appreciate players who are prepared to beat opponents one-on-one, even if that style of play has become less common.

He is hopeful Hassan can make an immediate impact once he settles into life at Celtic.

O’Neill delighted with Hogh hat-trick

The manager was also full of praise for Kasper Hogh after the striker scored three times during Celtic’s impressive 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock.

Hogh had missed opportunities during the previous match against Dundee but responded in emphatic fashion at Rugby Park.

O’Neill believes the £11 million striker has the attributes to become a prolific goalscorer, particularly with his ability to attack crosses and compete physically against defenders.

He also believes Celtic now have several players capable of providing the service their new centre-forward needs.

The manager hopes Hogh can stay clear of serious injuries and continue developing his understanding with the rest of the attack.

Celtic are also beginning to see their new attacking options settle, with O’Neill pointing to Hogh and Camilo Duran as players who are gradually finding their rhythm.

Celtic face busy schedule

Attention now turns to Saturday night’s Premier Sports Cup meeting with Dundee United before the Champions League takes centre stage.

O’Neill expects a difficult contest at Tannadice, particularly after Dundee United’s impressive performances against Rangers last season.

He also highlighted the influence of the home support and warned his players that they must be ready from the opening whistle.

Celtic then face Austrian champions LASK in a crucial Champions League play-off, with O’Neill expecting two demanding encounters.

Despite the challenge, the veteran manager is relishing the occasion and believes the atmosphere around the matches will be special.

With new signings arriving and more potentially on the way, O’Neill’s immediate priority is to get his squad playing as a cohesive unit.

The Celtic boss knows there is little time to waste, with domestic and European fixtures arriving in quick succession.

“We’re just trying to get people to gel together,” O’Neill explained.

For Celtic, the next few days could therefore prove decisive, both on the pitch and in the transfer market, as O’Neill’s side look to build momentum while chasing success on multiple fronts.