Martin O'Neill told reporters he wants fresh faces in the Celtic squad before next weekend’s Scottish Premiership clash with league leaders Hearts. The club already secured full‑back Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth, while rumors swirl around West Ham striker Callum Wilson, whom O'Neill said he hadn’t pursued.

On Sunday Celtic travel to Rugby Park in Kilmarnock for a Scottish Cup tie against junior side Auchinleck Talbot. O'Neill recalled his 2005 cup final win over Dundee United and said reaching Hampden again would be “terrific”. He noted the venue change from Talbot’s Beechwood Park as a logistical quirk.

With Celtic sitting second in the league, O'Neill stressed that adding a proven goalscorer before the Hearts test is “absolutely essential”. He hinted that activity could accelerate around early February, a window that might reshape the squad’s depth. Observers will watch the transfer market and the cup performance for clues on his next move.