Martin O'Neill shrugs off Callum Wilson links but insists Celtic are close to new signings

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has downplayed links with West Ham striker Callum Wilson – but says progress is being made on signings.

Wilson has been reported as likely to leave West Ham this month, and with Celtic looking to add firepower for the final months of the title race, it has been reported that the 33-year-old former England international is a signing target.

The Premiership champions are keen to add to the squad after a disappointing summer transfer window and are under pressure from fans who are unhappy with the board and feel the team has suffered from a lack of investment.

O’Neill, who only returned as Wilfried Nancy’s replacement less than a fortnight ago, has been working to try and bring players in but shrugged off talk about Wilson being a new recruit.

“I can’t tell you anything,” the Celtic boss said. “For want of telling you, it’s news to me. But we are in search of those elusive goal scorers. But we’re not the only team, as well.”

He joked: “On a serious note, I can’t tell you anything about it, but we are… Is it becoming my favourite phrase? We are making progress.

“It’s not that he’s not a very, very fine player, but I thought that he was going elsewhere.”

Asked if he believed the club was any closer to making additions than when he was last asked in midweek, he admitted he “dreaded” being asked the same questions regularly but did anticipate good news soon and said he expected something “at some stage next week”.

“Remarkably, I think we are definitely a bit closer,” he said.

“I dread these interviews. I really do. I dread the questions coming up. I can’t wait until the 2nd or 3rd of February.”

The manager’s priority is preparing his side for a Scottish Cup tie away to Auchinleck Talbot on Sunday. Though Celtic are huge favourites to progress against the team from the West of Scotland league, O’Neill said his side would be respectful and wouldn’t take the tie lightly.

“They have some very, very decent attributes,” he said. “They are a top-quality Junior side, no question about it. And they’ve got players who will play as well.

“So, it’s not as if this is a junior team like Under-11s or something. And to get here, this distance as well, it’s been brilliant.”

The Northern Irishman reflected on his last match in his first spell at the club, a 1-0 win over Dundee United to win the Scottish Cup in 2005 and said it would be amazing to finish his current interim spell by lifting the famous trophy in May.

“Oh, that would be terrific,” he said. “That’s a couple of light–years away, but that would be great if it were true.”