Martin O'Neill warns of tough season as Celtic lag in transfer market

Martin O'Neill has described last season's dramatic title triumph as a 'wake-up call' for Celtic, but the club's lack of activity in the summer transfer window has raised questions about whether they are responding quickly enough.

In his first interview since being appointed permanent manager on a one-year contract on 11 June, the 74-year-old admitted he expects 'a tough old time' defending the Scottish Premiership title against resurgent rivals Rangers and Hearts.

Transfer window inactivity

While Celtic have yet to make a single signing this summer, their rivals have been busy. Hearts have brought in seven players, and Rangers have secured striker Lawrence Shankland from Hearts along with Scotland international Ross McCrorie from Bristol City.

Celtic's playing squad requires reinforcements with departures potentially reaching double figures, including loanees. Uncertainty surrounds the futures of key players Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren.

• Celtic are one of only two Premiership clubs yet to make a signing (the other being Motherwell).
• O'Neill's backroom staff was confirmed two weeks after his appointment, on the same day pre-season training began.
• The club is a coach light after Gavin Strachan's departure to West Brom.
• Hearts have signed seven players; Rangers have added Shankland and McCrorie.

Last season's dramatic finish

Celtic secured their 14th Premiership title in 15 years with a final-day win over Hearts, overtaking the Tynecastle side who had led for much of the season. O'Neill noted that opponents are 'getting closer to Celtic than perhaps ever before.'

With the new season approaching, O'Neill is focused on strengthening the squad but acknowledged the competitive threat from Rangers under new manager Derek McInnes and a persistent Hearts side.