Martin O’Neill content to go with centre-backs already at Celtic | OneFootball

Martin O’Neill has declared himself to be happy enough to work with the four central defenders already at the club, despite having had a bid for Brentford defender Benjamin Arthur knocked back by the Premier League club…

19th April 2026; Hampden; Scottish Cup Football, Celtic versus St Mirren; Benjamin Arthur of Celtic on the ball. Vagelis Georgariou

There’s a few areas of our squad in need of improvement, and strengthening, but one area that remains composed at this moment in time is the central defensive department according to Martin O’Neill, who has currently has no plans to recruit a new centre back.

Martin O’Neill on Cameron Carter-Vickers

The Irishman explained all in a recent interview in which he was full of praise for the retuning Cameron Carter-Vickers, and reckons the return of the big strong man gives us the perfect balance in the centre of the defence.

Martin who also has Liam Scales, Auston Trusty, and Dane Murray to call upon, was blunt in his assessment when asked if he was in the market for a new centre back.

“No, not at the minute. Big Dane is two years behind because of injuries. I think he’s got a lot of potential. Scales and Trusty? Yeah,” Martin O’Neill stated, as reported by Scottish Sun.

“Hopefully we’ve got a bit of balance,” Martin O’Neill

With Carter-Vickers out last year, it was a bit of a problem because Trusty ended up playing on the right-hand side. With Cameron back now, hopefully we’ve got a bit of balance. He’s getting there game-by-game.

“I’d have to go back and watch some matches in the past when he was at his best. But the coaching staff are telling me they think he can get back to what he was, which would be very encouraging,” the Celtic manager said.

CCV will most likely start in tomorrow evenings season opener against Dundee, especially with Liam Scales suspended for the first two matches of the new campaign.

“His attitude is very strong, he wants to do well,” Martin O’Neill

The big American is currently being gently eased back into the side after being out for a long period due to a long term injury, but Martin is very optimistic he will soon be back to his commanding self once again.

Martin added: “I’ve never had him available since I’ve been back, so I didn’t know what he’s like. I’ve seen Cam play from a distance, but you don’t know until you’re working with somebody.

“His attitude is very strong, he wants to do well. He is training each day. There are only two of all the sessions we’ve had, morning and afternoon, that he’s missed out.”

Martin O’Neill on Auston Trusty

CCV’s fellow USA international Auston Trusty didn’t feature in pre-season due to getting extra time off due to his World Cup participation with the United States, but could play a part in Monday evening.

Trusty didn’t feature in any of Celtic’s pre-season games after getting extra time off following the World Cup, but could play some part against Dundee.

Martin said: “I’ll have a look. He’s trained and he’s been here since last Monday. Physically, he’s never in bad condition. I want to see how he feels.”

Martin O’Neill on Benjamin Nygren

MON also expects to have Benjamin Nygren available as he nurses a small knock. The Celtic manager explained: “He’s OK, he’s been training. It was a bit niggly, but he’s said he can run it off.”

Martin O’Neill of Celtic FC. Sporting CP v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, Football, Estadio Algarve, Portugal – 14 July 2026. Photo Zed Jameson IMAGO/ Shutterstock

Predicted Team

Expected Celtic team to take on Dundee tomorrow evening: Sinisalo; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Tierney; McGregor (c), Engels, Nygren; Yang, Hogh and Duran.

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