The boss was spotted at Fir Park on Saturday amid rising speculation over a move for Tawanda Maswanhise
Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill & Celtic interim assistant manager Shaun Maloney sit in the away dugout(Image: )
Martin O’Neill admits he DOES have his eye on the Scottish transfer market. But the Celtic boss refused to be drawn on his weekend scouting mission at Fir Park.
O’Neill and assistant Mark Fotheringham were spotted in North Lanarkshire on Saturday as Jens Berthel-Askou’s relentless Steelmen overcame Ross County in the Scottish Cup. Zimbabwe sensation Tawanda Maswanhise once again stole the show as he netted the decisive goal – and his 15th of the campaign.
Maswanhise, 23, has been one of the standout players in the Premiership this season and fits the profile of player Celts are looking for as O’Neill desperately looks to bolster his attacking options. But the veteran gaffer refused to be drawn on a January potential swoop for the Well goal machine.
Asked about his spying mission, O’Neill said: “That was a football mission, that’s part of my job to look at the games if I can get an opportunity. We did it after training with Fotheringham and it was nice.”
Keeping his cards close to his chest, O’Neill was pressed if anyone in particular caught the eye. Attempting to keep his poker face, the 73-year-old let slip a smile as he said: “I enjoyed the game – you, lads honestly! You are testing me to the utmost.”
However, O’Neill – who has also been linked with Hibs hitman Kieron Bowi e – insisted he wouldn’t hesitate launching a bid for a Scottish Premiership player. He said: “I was asked that question last week. Absolutely, I think there are players here.
Kieron Bowie of Hibs (Image: SNS Group)
“No doubt about it. There are players here capable of playing at a higher level. But that’s only my opinion.”
It’s believed prolific Croatian striker Franko Kovacevic was on the Scottish champions’ radar. But the NK Celje star is on the verge of clinching a move to Fernancvaros after boss Robbie Keane struck a £2.5million deal.
And while a proven marksman is top of O’Neill’s shopping list, the Irishman is keen to strengthen other areas including central defence, midfield and out wide.
Celts have been credited with an interest in Switzerland international Auréle Amenda, who has fallen out of favour at Eintracht Frankfurt.
But they could face a major hurdle in their attempts to land the centre-half on loan, after the Bundesliga club parted ways with manager Dino Toppmöller.
It’s believed the Parkhead giants have also reignited their interest in Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, but there are complications over an obligation to buy clause.
Celts – who were paired with Dundee in the Scottish Cup fifth round after a gritty win over sixth-tier Auchinleck Talbot – now turn their immediate attentions to the Europa League.
They have just seven points on board and are clinging onto the last play-off place in 24th.
O’Neill’s men have two last chances to progress into the knockouts, starting with a daunting away trip to Serie A side Bologna on Thursday, then a home clash with FC Utrecht a week later.
But sandwiched in between is a top-of-the-table clash with Hearts at Tynecastle – a match that could possibly make-or-break their hopes of five-in-a-row.
O’Neill has made it crystal clear he wants new signings through the door for the Sunday showdown.
Asked if it was a big week off the park, he said: “Yeah, it is. That’s exactly right. I said to you that I would tell you at the next press conference, after this one.
“We are very, very hopeful that we will get some people in.”
Quizzed if he was targeting a creative spark who would bring more guile to his goal-shy squad, he quipped: “Brilliant. Absolutely.”