Celtic coach: There are no expectations for the arrival of new players before facing ASK

According toBBC.

Background

Celtic midfielder Ryo Hatate has not featured in any matches this season, which increases the pressure on the team against LASK. Staying with the team could provide additional depth in the midfield, especially given the challenges Celtic face in the Champions League.

Why is this important?

Celtic's clash with LASK in the Champions League is a crucial opportunity for the team to strengthen its position in the tournament. With no new signings expected, coach Martin O'Neill will have to rely on existing players, including Ryo Hatate, who is yet to feature this season. Hatati's survival could greatly affect the team's strength in the midfield.

Key points

• Celtic coach: There are no expectations for the arrival of new players before facing ASK.
• Celtic coach, Martin O'Neill, confirms there are no expectations for the arrival of new players ahead of their Champions League clash with ASK, while highlighting the possibility of Ryo Hatate staying.
• New Celtic signings unlikely before LASK tie - O'Neill.

Celtic coach, Martin O'Neill, confirmed that he does not expect any new signings before the team's upcoming match in the first leg of the Champions League preliminary round, which will bring it together with Austria's ASK on Wednesday. O'Neill explained that he would be happy if player Ryo Hatate decided to stay with the team in the coming period.

O'Neill spoke about the club's summer signings, with Camelo Duran and Kasper Huge both joining the team and making a good start. Micah Power and Hasim Hassan also recently joined the team. When asked about the possibility of adding new players before Tuesday night's deadline, O'Neill indicated "a very good chance nothing will happen."

In a related context, player Arne Ingles was sold to West Ham over the weekend, with O'Neill explaining that the club is still in the process of searching for a replacement for the midfielder, admitting that it will be "difficult to replace his physical strength" in facing the Austrian team.

O'Neill added that Power had come on as a 59th-minute substitute during the team's 4-0 win over Dundee United on Sunday, indicating that there was a high possibility that Power would start the next match, especially with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain suspended, and Hatati not making any appearances this season so far.

“It would have been better if we had kept Arnie for a few games, because he knows the players and knows his role in the team,” O'Neill said. "But she's not. We'll find someone else in that area. It might be Bauer, but I'm not sure yet. He's just starting to get to know the team."

As for Hatate, he is another option in midfield, but the Japan international has not featured in any matches so far this season, and has not started a match since the 2-0 defeat to Dundee United last April. Hatati joined Celtic in 2022, and still has two years left on his contract.

“It's been a tough period for him recently,” O'Neill said of the player who has won five league championships, three Scottish Cups and two League Cup titles at Glasgow. "What I hope is that Riyo returns to the level he showed two years ago when he was one of the best players in Scotland. There are inquiries about his transfer, but nothing concrete. It could happen. If Riyo wants to stay and fight for his place in the team and says he can do that, then I have no problem with that."

What's next?

Camelo Duran or Kasper Huge are expected to start in the next match, especially with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out. At the same time, it will be important for Celtic to get Ryo Hatate back to fitness, as he could have a huge impact on the team's performance in the Champions League. Celtic will have to find a replacement for Arne Ingles, making the manager's options more important in the match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is Celtic vs ASK?

Celtic's match against ASK will be held on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League preliminary round.

Have Celtic made any new signings before the match?

Celtic coach, Martin O'Neill, confirmed that he did not expect any new signings before the match.

How has the sale of Arne Ingles affected Celtic?

O'Neill explained that the club is still in the process of searching for a replacement for midfielder Arne Ingles following his sale to West Ham.

What is Ryo Hatate's condition before the match?

Ryo Hatate has not made any appearances this season, and still has two years left on his contract with Celtic.

What impact did Celtic's last match have on the team?

Celtic achieved a 4-0 win over Dundee United, which could have a positive impact on the team's morale ahead of the clash with ASK.

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