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Players 20 August 2026

O'Neill talks about looking for reinforcements, Hatate

Martin O'Neill has spoken to the media about the upcoming play-off match against LASK and the situation surrounding player Arne Engels.

O'Neill talks about looking for reinforcements, Hatate

According to Sports.

Background

Arne Engels, a promising midfielder, has recently made the move to West Ham, which could further boost his development as a player. His choice not to participate in the play-off matches is understandable given the risks of injuries. Celtic must now continue without him as they prepare for a challenging clash with LASK.

Why this matters

The situation surrounding Arne Engels is crucial for Celtic, especially with the upcoming Champions League play-off against LASK. His departure to West Ham leaves a void in midfield, which could impact team dynamics. The focus now is on maintaining a strong team spirit and achieving a good result in the first leg.

Key points

  • O'Neill speaks of search for reinforcements, Hatate.
  • Martin O'Neill has spoken to the media about the upcoming play-off match against LASK and the situation surrounding player Arne Engels.
  • O'Neill on signing search, Hatate & 'very fine' LASK.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has addressed the media this week ahead of the crucial Champions League play-off match against LASK. This important match takes place on Wednesday and is the first of a diptych. O'Neill indicated that Celtic are unlikely to sign any new players before Tuesday's 11pm BST deadline. This also applies to a replacement for Arne Engels, who recently moved to West Ham.

O'Neill would have liked Engels to stay at the club for the play-off, but the midfielder has chosen not to participate in the matches for fear of injury. “That's understandable,” said O'Neill, who has expressed his support for the player's decision.

The focus is now entirely on the match against LASK, a team known for its strong defensive position. Celtic will have to ensure a good result in the first leg to move into the second leg with confidence.

O'Neill also emphasized the need for strong team spirit and the importance of the support of the fans. The stadium is expected to be well filled, which will give the players an extra boost. "We know that our fans always support us, especially in such important matches. We must use their energy to lead us to victory," he added.

The manager has confidence in his squad and is optimistic about Celtic's chances of qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League. He believes that the experience of his players in these types of matches will be crucial.

With Engels' absence, O'Neill may have to shift his line-up. However, he has several options at his disposal and is determined to field a competitive side against LASK. The coming days will be crucial for preparing and fine-tuning the strategy.

Celtic face a significant challenge, and eyes will be on the team's performance at this decisive stage of the tournament. O'Neill's experience and tactical acumen will be essential to achieve victory andto move one step closer to the Champions League group stage.

What's happening now

Celtic will now focus entirely on the match against LASK, without the opportunity to attract new reinforcements in the current transfer market. The focus is on utilizing the experience of the current squad to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League. The fans play an important role in this crucial phase, and their support will be essential for the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Arne Engels?

Arne Engels is a midfielder who recently moved from Celtic to West Ham.

Why did Arne Engels leave Celtic?

Engels has chosen not to participate in the matches for fear of injuries.

What is Martin O'Neill's role in this situation?

Martin O'Neill is the manager of Celtic and has expressed his support for Engels' decision to leave the club.

When will the match against LASK take place?

The match against LASK takes place on Wednesday and is the first of a diptych.

What is the status of new players for Celtic?

O'Neill said Celtic are unlikely to sign any new players before Tuesday's 11pm BST deadline.

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