Celtic Progress In Europa League Push Spurs January Transfers, Says O'Neill

Celtic moved into the Europa League play-offs with a 4-2 win over Utrecht, and Martin O'Neill confirmed the club is pushing hard for January reinforcements. The result ensures Celtic stay in European competition

while also arriving at a tense stage in the Scottish Premiership, where O'Neill's side trails Hearts by six points before facing Falkirk.

O'Neill explained before kick-off that Celtic's squad felt stretched, with only Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara arriving on loan during the current window from Bournemouth and Borussia Monchengladbach. The head coach believes the group has coped under strain, while also stressing that recruitment work is ongoing before the play-off tie against Stuttgart or Ferencvaros.

Speaking to TNT Sports, O'Neill praised the response from Celtic's players across a demanding recent schedule. He highlighted their efforts in Europe, including results at Feyenoord and Bologna, and suggested that securing the play-off place rewarded those performances, which came after a difficult domestic spell and his return for a second interim spell this season.

"I think over the past couple of weeks we've shown great resilience. We didn't make many changes, so they've gone again. We're in the hat," O'Neill told TNT Sports. "The players have done brilliantly. I'm just so glad the win at Feyenoord and [the draw] last Thursday in Bologna counted for something. "

Celtic's victory over Utrecht was shaped by a blistering opening spell, with three goals arriving within 19 first-half minutes. Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring, Nick Viergever turned into his own net, and Arne Engels converted a penalty, creating the club's quickest 3-0 advantage in any major European fixture and the 10th fastest such lead in Europa League history.

Utrecht threatened a comeback either side of half-time, as Dani de Wit and Adrian Blake scored to cut the deficit and increase tension around Celtic Park. However, Auston Trusty restored a cushion with a powerful header after 66 minutes, finally settling the contest and confirming Celtic's passage into the Europa League play-off round.

Celtic Europa League performance backed by key numbers

Underlying data underlined Celtic's control of the match. O'Neill's team produced 10 attempts with an expected goals value of 2.09, while Utrecht managed six shots worth 0.43 xG against Kasper Schmeichel. The win means Celtic have now recorded five victories from their last six home European games, including qualifiers, against Dutch opposition, scoring multiple goals in each success.

Celtic's latest European result arrives at a delicate point in the domestic campaign. O'Neill's squad now turns attention back to the Scottish Premiership meeting with Falkirk on Sunday, knowing the margin to leaders Hearts stands at six points. The manager again stressed the importance of adding depth as fixtures continue to come quickly across competitions.

#CelticUtrecht | #UEL | #CelticFCpic.twitter.com/fvSmKzGIKVCeltic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 29, 2026

Celtic Europa League charge driven by Nygren and McGregor

Summer signing Nygren again played a central role, adding to an already impressive campaign. Across all competitions, Nygren now has 20 goal contributions, with 14 goals and six assists, more than any other player currently active in the Scottish Premiership. The forward's impact has been crucial during a period when squad numbers have been tight.

Captain Callum McGregor emphasised the collective reaction after a poor run that led to Wilfried Nancy's dismissal and O'Neill's return. McGregor underlined how the squad has responded under pressure and stressed that progressing to the Europa League play-off round was the clear target, which the players achieved despite recent instability around the club.

"We knew the objective was to win the game and get through to the play-off round," McGregor added. "When the pressure was on, we managed to deliver results. The mentality in the group has been amazing, the boys have been hungry to dig ourselves out of the hole we were in. For the first 2530 minutes, I thought we were really good. "

McGregor also addressed plans for further January business, noting the squad's trust in the hierarchy. "We trust the club to get the players the manager and the staff want. " The midfielder started his 66th major European game for Celtic, with only Billy Bremner, on 76, and Peter Lorimer, on 73, recording more starts among Scottish midfielders.

O'Neill confirmed that recruitment work is active but complex as the window progresses. "We're making progress and I think we can move it along now in the next couple of days. It's not been easy. Not just for us, for other clubs too, but perhaps Celtic fans think it's just us. We're trying to do some work, and we think we can do it. I can never guarantee anything, I don't think anyone can, but we're very hopeful. " The club now prepares for Falkirk and awaits confirmation of whether Stuttgart or Ferencvaros will stand between Celtic and the Europa League group stage.