Callum McGregor shares hope Celtic will add ‘a few new faces’ in the January transfer window

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Celtic are in the market for reinforcements in January and their draw against Dundee United last weekend indicated that there is room for fresh impetus across the squad.

The Bhoys were ravaged by injury and illness at Tannadice in a frustrating goalless affair, but there is definitely a need for more bodies to help combat a heavy fixture schedule.

Come the New Year, securing Champions League qualification comes into focus for Celtic in their final two matches against Young Boys and Aston Villa, which will be another motivation to add a layer of quality to ensure preparation for potential knockout action.

Rumours involving a Celtic return for Kieran Tierney are flavour of the month, while Sarpsborg winger Sondre Ørjasæter is a Bhoys target as the clock ticks down until the window opens.

With all that in mind, Callum McGregor has opened up on what he wants to see once January comes around in Glasgow’s east end.

Callum McGregor on Celtic’s January transfer window plans

Speaking to The Daily Record, McGregor laid out his hope that the club will add a few ‘new faces’ as competition for places continues to grow at Parkhead.

He stated: “In every window we do look to strengthen. The boys here have been fantastic, they have done ever so well. Naturally, being at a big club, there’s always competition for places. The club will always try and do the best deals that they can.

“It just remains to be seen what happens but the guys who do come in, we’ll get them up to speed as quickly as possible. When you’re at a big club, the demands are so high. You always have to be at the maximum level and pushing yourself, the squad and everybody. It’s a great environment to work in and the players really enjoy it.

“Like I said, come January we might have a few new faces in and that’ll push the group even further and the squad will get stronger. We’ll see what happens, but it’s always good to have new faces to push everyone as well.”

In the meantime, McGregor vowed that fringe players will continue to step up when needed to ease the load brought on by a heavy fixture schedule, saying: “You know you’ve got these guys that can come in and play at a level, even though they’ve not played so much football.

“That is a testament to how strong the squad actually is. We just keep pushing and we keep fighting. It’s a difficult period with the games and everything else, but we’ll just keep going.”

Celtic have two games before reinforcements can be added

Following their frustrating afternoon at Tannadice, Celtic now have a quickfire double-header against Motherwell and St Johnstone to contend with before 2024 comes to a close.

It remains to be seen who will recover in time, but six points are essential heading into the New Year Glasgow Derby against Rangers with a chance to extend the gap to 12 points at a minimum.

Changes may well occur once again as Celtic bid the year goodbye in front of their home supporters. Performances are important, but results are what will see them through.

Last week’s stalemate in the City of Discovery was a minor setback, though the club are still in a very healthy situation heading into the second half of the campaign.