Will Celtic Register Anyone Before the Deadline? Short Answer: No. Long Answer: We Still Have Enough to Beat LASK

There are only hours left for Celtic to make a late addition or two to their Champions League squad for tomorrow night’s massive clash with LASK.

The deadline is 10:59pm tonight, with Celtic permitted to make up to two additional changes to their squad.

So, will Martin O’Neill get another signing through the door in time?

Short answer: no.

And honestly, I’m not particularly worried about it.

Because while Celtic still have work to do in this transfer window, they have enough quality already registered to beat LASK.

The Squad Is Already Strong Enough

Let’s not forget what Celtic have done over the past few weeks.

Kasper Høgh has arrived.

Camilo Durán has arrived.

Mika Baur has arrived.

Haissem Hassan has arrived.

All four are already included in Celtic’s Champions League squad.

And that attacking group has already started to show exactly why supporters should be excited.

Celtic have scored nine goals across their last two competitive matches against Kilmarnock and Dundee United.

This isn’t a Celtic side desperately short of quality.

The Defence Is the Bigger Concern

If there is one area where Johnston’s injury has created a headache, it’s right-back.

Anthony Ralston looks the obvious starter against LASK, while Colby Donovan remains an option.

It isn’t ideal.

Reo Hatate could be an option.

But it isn’t catastrophic either.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Kieran Tierney provide plenty of experience elsewhere across the back line.

Celtic don’t need a perfect squad to beat LASK.

They need to be better than LASK.

And they absolutely can be.

Don’t Let the Deadline Create Panic

This is where transfer windows can become dangerous.

The clock starts ticking.

A player is linked.

Another rumour appears.

Suddenly supporters convince themselves that Celtic must sign somebody before midnight or the season is doomed.

No.

That’s not how football works.

If Celtic can get another midfielder or left back over the line later in the window, it’s brilliant.

They should.

There is still a clear need to improve the squad.

But rushing a signing purely so they can register another name against LASK would be completely counterproductive.

Martin O’Neill needs players who genuinely improve the team.

Not deadline-day bodies.

This Is a Team That Can Beat LASK

The most important thing is that Celtic don’t go into Wednesday night looking at the players they don’t have.

They need to look at the players they do.

And they have a Celtic Park crowd desperate to see Champions League football return.

UEFA’s qualifying schedule confirms that the first leg is tomorrow night, with the play-off tie ultimately deciding who reaches the league phase.

That’s the opportunity.

Do the Business Afterward

If Celtic don’t register anyone tonight, it shouldn’t change the wider transfer strategy.

The midfield still needs attention.

Right-back needs strengthening.

Another centre-back would be welcome.

Potentiallly a winger.

There are still players who could leave.

There is still plenty of work for O’Neill to do before the window closes.

But that work doesn’t have to be completed tonight.

Tonight’s deadline is about LASK.

And Celtic have enough to get the job done.

So if 10:59pm comes and goes without another signing being registered, don’t panic.

Get behind the team.

Trust the players already here.

And beat LASK.

Then get back to work on improving the squad for everything that comes after it.