Hoops boss Martin O'Neill wants the former Arsenal and Liverpool star on board for the title bid
06:00, 06 Feb 2026
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was a teenage sensation who fired Southampton to promotion.
And his old Saints boss is convinced the free agent midfielder can turbo charge Celtic to the title as an elder statesman.
Hoops boss Martin O’Neill is looking to draft in the former Arsenal and Liverpool star for the Parkhead club’s Premiership push.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed a stellar career as a mainstay at the Emirates and then Anfield before his two year stint in Turkey with Besiktas.
The now 32-year-old was rated as one of the best talents in the country when he exploded on to the scene as a kid at Southampton.
Former Saints gaffer Nigel Adkins chucked the youngster into his side at just 17-year-old.
The Ox helped blast the side out of the doldrums of League One – and bag himself a £15m move to Arsenal within a year and it wasn't long before he was an England regular.
Adkins has followed the playmaker’s career ever since and despite almost a year out of the game following a volatile time in Turkey – where he played for EIGHT managers in just two seasons – the ex Hull, Sheffield United and Reading gaffer reckons O’Neill could be on to a winner.
Adkins said: “It could be a great bit of business for Martin and Celtic.
“Alex played a huge role that season at Southampton – even though he was only 17-year-old.
“It was obvious from a very young age he had bags of talent and he had the attributes to go to the very top. He was so exciting to watch.
“We had a strong team that season, with some very good young players with the likes of Adam Lallala and Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse coming through as well.
“Alex was determined to play his part. You almost had to try to hold him back.
“Like a lot of them, he was fearless and played with a freedom. He had a terrific turn of pace and could beat a man.
“He ended up playing a lot of games in that campaign and scoring a good few goals. His performances caught the eye of Arsene Wenger and earned him his move to Arsenal.
“We would have loved to have kept him for longer, but it was a phenomenal amount of money and it was a great opportunity for him.
"He wasn’t fazed by going to that club or playing at that level, and didn’t look out of place right away.
“I wasn’t surprised, because he had so much talent and the right mentality.”
Adkins tapped into the raw energy of youth back then. Fifteen years on and O’Neill wants an old head to steer his side towards the finishing line.
Celts snapped up five loan signings in January but every one of them is under 24 while Oxlade-Chamberlain has been there and got the t-shirt at big clubs all his life.
Adkins said: “It’s hard to believe he’s 32-year-old now, although it does seem like he’s been around forever.
“I know he’s been out of the game for a while. But he will have been working hard in the background and it shows he must be in good shape by the fact there has been talk about Arsenal offering him a deal.
“A bit like when he was teenager, he’ll have to be managed, in terms of hit fitness.
“When it comes to his attitude and ability though, it’s not even a question.
“It’s great to have young players in the side because they play without fear and they don’t have some of the scarring from negative experiences.
“At the same time, you need these experienced, old heads if you like, to guide them, especially when it comes to competing for titles or promotion and so on.
“You look at the career Alex had had, playing at the very top level so for long, and for England.
“That will be huge for Celtic. He knows the pressure and demands of playing for a big club.
“It was the same when we were at Southampton, where we had the pressure to get up from League One and get back to the Premier League. He took it in his stride at that age and I’m sure it will be the same again at Celtic.
“I’m sure he can make a big difference.”
Martin O'Neill during Celtic's clash with Falkirk
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Martin O'Neill during Celtic's clash with Falkirk(Image: PA)
Oxlade-Chamberlain could bring a wealth of experience – but he still won’t trump the Celtic gaffer.
Adkins – who has spent more than 30 years as a boss since starting out at Bangor City – is delighted to see the veteran Northern Irishman dragging Celtic back into the title race and competing in Europe.
And he’s convinced the Hoops boss is the perfect man to get Oxlade-Chamberlain firing.
Adkins said: “It’s great to see Martin back in the dugout again. He’s done a really good job back at Celtic as I know there’s been some instability there with managers leaving
“You talk about experience. Martin will be good for Alex as well and there will be a lot of respect there.
“When it gets towards the end of the season, you want to have cool heads in the dressing room and Martin will have that, and so will Alex.
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“The great thing about Alex was his attitude. He played with a smile on his face and it was a credit the way he conducted himself, on and off the pitch.
“You get some players – especially young ones – who need to be managed more than others.
“But Alex just wanted to work hard and learn as much as possible. That mentality made him a top player and it’s something that can be a big influence in the dressing room now he’s an experienced pro.”