Camilo Duran’s imminent Celtic arrival was confirmed by Martin O’Neill before the friendly game against Shelbourne but the Hoops boss wasted no time in sending a message to the board.
Duran is set to become Celtic’s first summer signing as he completes a medical this week as O’Neill looks to strengthen the squad ahead of the season kick-off and the Champions League qualifier.
The Celtic boss was clearly delighted with the development, but O’Neill sent a clear public message that Celtic cannot afford to stop at one signing
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Martin O’Neill gives Celtic clear Camilo Duran update
Speaking before Celtic’s pre-season draw with Shelbourne, O’Neill confirmed that Hoops physio Tim Williamson is taking control of Duran’s medical.
O’Neill told The Scottish Sun, “I think Tim Williamson, our physio, has gone down to meet up with him and I think that that’s going to happen.
“I think that he should be able to join us in Portugal, certainly in the next 24 hours. “He’s still very young. I think he can hold up play well. I think he’s strong in that department.”
Duran will be a welcome addition to the Celtic squad after a summer that has seen only Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain agree to extend his stay at the club.
But despite his delight at capturing the Colombian, O’Neill tells the Celtic board they cannot stop there.
Celtic cannot stop at Camilo Duran
The Celtic boss continued, “We need a few players. It’s as simple as that. But I do think he will be a good addition.
“Will he be the first of a few? Absolutely. We have been making inroads into it.
“Like everything, sometimes you get thwarted with things but we still need a number of players.”
O’Neill immediately used the Duran update to ensure that the board know that there needs to be more than one addition made to the Celtic team this summer.
The language used puts immediate pressure on the boardroom and Duran’s imminent arrival is a welcome first step.
However, O’Neill’s comments have made the real demand clear. Celtic need to turn one deal into proper squad strengthening.
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