Keith Wyness drops Celtic title verdict, names one signing who’s impressed him
Martin O’Neill’s January signings at Celtic are helping his side remain firmly in pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title.
That is according to ex-Aberdeen, Aston Villa, and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, stating that O’Neill’s “power” is a major reason why Celtic could win the title this season.
O’Neill was able to make five signings in the January transfer window, before adding former Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to his squad after the deadline.
Julian Araujo scored a 97th minute winner as Celtic came from two goals down to beat Kilmarnock 3-2 last time out, with fellow January recruits Oxlade-Chamberlain and Tomas Cvancara having an effect from the bench.
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Martin O’Neill has Celtic stars ‘playing for him’
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Celtic are looking as good as Rangers and Hearts in the title race thanks to O’Neill.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness states that Celtic’s January signings have all made an impact at the club.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Yeah, they have. Again, it is the St. Martin effect. He’s come in there and he, you know, those last-minute winners have been incredible. All power to him.
“You know, he’s done it, and he’s certainly got the team galvanised and playing for him. And he did have that power, as I say, in the January window to get some players in. Oxlade-Chamberlain coming in, scored a goal the other day. A very nice goal as well.
“And it’s that sort of experience and the blend that Martin’s got, and he’s got them all playing for him and believing again. So they’re looking, you know, they’re looking as good as only the three in the three-horse race right now.
“But certainly, those late winners are breaking people’s hearts, and Rangers and Hearts. But look, Celtic have shown that they’re in that race and that they’re going for it. And it’s going to be a fascinating end to the season.”
Kelechi Iheanacho set for crunch Celtic talks
O’Neill has not utilised striker Kelechi Iheanacho at the club, whilst the 29-year-old has suffered from injury problems this season.
Celtic are set for talks with Iheanacho over his future at the club, with the striker having been signed as a free agent under Brendan Rodgers after the summer transfer window closed.
The Hoops hold an option to extend Iheanacho’s time in Glasgow by a further year, but his future could also depend on who becomes the next manager of the club after O’Neill departs.