Manager: We've got competition for places now and that's a good thing

In partnership with

Celtic F.C.

·3 febbraio 2026

Manager: We've got competition for places now and that's a good thing

Martin O’Neill will be pleased to see the January transfer window closed, with the focus now on the next few months and a busy schedule of games across three competitions.

Five players have arrived at the club since the start of 2026, with Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara joined on deadline day by Junior Adamu, Joel Mvuka and Benjamin Arthur, and the Celtic manager is pleased with the reinforcements to his squad.

OneFootball Video

Speaking at Lennoxtown today, Martin O’Neill said: “The first thing is, you’re talking about differentiating between quality and numbers, and we do need people in because we can pick up injuries and suspensions. So I think it’s nice to get a few people in, in different positions.

“And I think they can help in the manner in which I think the two new arrivals (Araujo and Cvancara) who have played some games for us have done really fine.

“I’m happy with them, and if the rest of them make the same sort of contribution then I’ll be delighted.

“My view is exactly the same as it was when I arrived here – we’re chasing down, we’re behind, and it’s in Hearts’ hands.

“I wanted some players in here that could maybe help us, and I think they will and they can do. There’s a bit of competition for places now, I genuinely believe that, and that can only be a good thing between now and the end of the season.”

One player who could play a key role in the coming months in Arne Engels, and despite late interest from Nottingham Forest, the Belgian internationalist is happy to remain at Celtic and play his part in the remainder of the campaign.

Not surprisingly, his manager is delighted that the club turned down any and all offers from the English Premier League side.

“For here, that’s an awful lot of money,” said the Irishman. “Personally, I’m delighted that the board turned it down because it is really tempting. It came at a really late stage so it’s great credit to them.

“Arne didn’t kick up a fuss about it either, even though it’s come in late. His agent is happy enough with the situation. Arne’s happy here and he wants to see what the season will bring at the end.”

And as the Celtic squad continue their preparations for what the manager expects will be a tough game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Wednesday night, Martin O’Neill also confirmed that he has spoken to Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, with the England internationalist out of contract and currently training with Arsenal.

“I do like him,” said the manager. “He has trained at Arsenal for some time since his time in Turkey and I spoke to him, but I’m sure he’ll have lots of options, maybe closer to London as well, but he was very affable.

“He was very excited about what we were saying and he knows the football club – he’s a big friend of Joe Hart’s, and Joe’s spoken to him, though not on our behalf.”