Celtic are still looking to do business this summer transfer window.
Celtic assistant Shaun Maloney says CEO Michael Nicholson is still engaging in transfer talks after boss Martin O’Neill’s recent health issue.
The Irishman had a minor procedure in hospital last week and was not in the dugout for Sunday’s Premiership game at Kilmarnock. O’Neill addressed the champions at the team hotel before they romped to a 5-1 win in impressive style, with new signing Kasper Hogh scoring a hat-trick, while Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston impressed. They have been eyed by West Ham United and Everton respectively.
Maloney insists there will be no summer signings delay in O’Neill’s absence with Nicholson still engaged in discussions. Asked if O’Neill’s absence has complicated signings, Maloney said, “I don’t think so. The last time I spoke to Michael and Martin was after training, so I don’t think so.
How is Celtic transfer work coming along?
“Business is going on as normal. He’s still able to talk to Michael and the targets we have are still the same. We have to respect what he’s been through and trying to take some of the workload off him for a few days. But it’s all going on as normal and hopefully he’s back next week. We didn’t have contact during the game.
“He was at the team hotel and took the team meetings, speaking to the players. Then he told the staff to get on with it. I’m glad we won. Maybe when the fifth went in it felt less stressful, but you never feel that comfortable. It might feel different watching. I’ve never experienced anything like what’s happened this week. The staff and the senior guys have been very good. I’m really pleased for the boss to get the win. The quicker we get him back the better.
“We’ll see how it goes day to day. He was much better today, he was in good form and he spoke to the group. You know what he’s like, his only instruction was to go and win. That’s what he does. We had a meeting on Saturday night. We went through his team selection, he picks what he thinks and he asks the staff. It was pretty normal.
Kasper Hogh scored three versus Kilmarnock.placeholder image
Kasper Hogh scored three versus Kilmarnock. | Getty Images
Shaun Maloney on Kilmarnock 1-5 Hibs
“But I think it was a boost for all of us to see him. There is a real good bond between the boss and the players. I’m glad he spoke to them before we left. It had a real positive impact. It will be up to him when he feels good enough. If the doctors are happy then he’ll just come back in. Is he a poor patient? You’ll have to ask his wife! She’s been with him. I don’t know what he will have even like watching the game. I’ve watched games with him previously and watching our rivals’ games was difficult! So, I don’t know how he was.”
There was also an injury update provided on Everton target Johnston after coming off at half-time at Rugby Park. Maloney added: “He felt something. That was just precautionary we hope. He was brilliant, as were the two in front, Callum McGregor and Arne Engels.”