Martin O’Neill accepts Celtic fans are feeling ‘anxiety’ about transfer activity

Martin O’Neill understands any anxiety affecting fans as the January transfer window approaches its end but insists Celtic are “making strenuous efforts” to improve the team.

The Hoops have secured just two signings so far this month, with Mexico defender Julian Araujo and Czech Republic striker Tomas Cvancara both arriving on loan deals from Bournemouth and Borussia Monchengladbach respectively, albeit neither is eligible to face Utrecht in the Europa League at Parkhead on Thursday night.

Worries about squad quality and depth among supporters increased after Celtic slipped into third place in the William Hill Premiership on Sunday following a 2-2 draw at leaders Hearts but O’Neill remains positive about possible new recruits.

“There’s a certain length of time,” said the 73-year-old, who will be without suspended midfielder Reo Hatate who was sent off at Bologna last week although striker Kelechi Iheanacho has returned to training following a hamstring injury.

“It’s January… after January, it’s all over. So there’s an anxiety.

“I don’t know whether, there’s an anger there, if you’re telling me that’s there, then I’ll take your word for it.

“But there would be an anxiety, a worry, that we get the players in.

“I’m confident, reasonably confident that we can do.

“It’s what we are trying to do. Whether we have anyone in before the weekend I don’t know, but we are making strenuous efforts.

“I think we can do something, the days are pressing but I’m hopeful. I’m reasonably confident we can do it.

“If we get through in the Europa League there are at least a couple of games, and you need a proper squad for that.

“We’re trying to get as much quality as possible. Lots of names have been put forward – lots of people I’ve taken an interest in, one or two have been thwarted. But we’re working on it.”

Celtic are guaranteed to go through to the knockout stages with a win.

Utrecht are out of the competition with one point from seven fixtures and sit 34th out of 36 in the table going into the final game.

However, O’Neill, whose side are 24th – the cut-off spot for qualifying – with eight points, is taking nothing for granted

He said: “Well, we’ve put ourselves into this position, but we have to win the game.

“It’s as simple as that and if we do win the game we can get through.

“It’s not as easy as that. I’ve had a look at them, and despite their recent records, these boys can play.

“They’re definitely a very decent side coming here with nothing to concern themselves, just probably thinking, ‘let’s go ahead and enjoy it’.

“And that’s a danger in itself. But they can play. You give them an opportunity and they will cause you problems.”