O'Neill hopeful over transfers despite LASK defeat

What the report says

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said he is hoping the club’s failure to reach the Champions League will not affect attempts to sign new players before the transfer deadline. His comments came after Celtic were beaten 5-1 by LASK after extra time on Tuesday, a result that sent the Scottish Premiership champions into the Europa League and ended their Champions League qualification hopes on a 5-4 aggregate loss.

BBC Sport reported that Celtic have already added four players this window, but supporters have raised concerns about the team’s recruitment in recent seasons, particularly around Champions League play-off campaigns. O'Neill said the Champions League remains a strong draw for many players because of its status and financial appeal, while the Europa League is still a major competition but carries less prestige.

He also accepted responsibility for the defeat, saying Celtic should have been in a stronger position by half-time after leading 4-1 on aggregate. O'Neill said the team did not manage the second half well and stressed the need to recover quickly and show character. The defeat means Celtic will now turn their focus to the Europa League and domestic fixtures, while trying to strengthen the squad before the window closes next week.