Celtic’s transfer window may have been quieter than everyone had hoped for, but the Hoops hope for more.
Two players have joined Celtic in the winter transfer window as Martin O’Neill called for new recruits to come through the door.
O’Neill excitingly revealed players were having medicals ahead of deadline day and if they can get everyone they need, confidence about a title challenge will only continue to grow.
The duo already signed by the Hoops have caught the eye, but there is one that has already done enough to secure a permanent deal in the summer.
When Alistair Johnston returns to fitness, would you pick him over Julian Araujo?
Celtic must sign Julian Araujo up
There was scepticism about the signing of Julian Araujo when he signed on loan from Bournemouth.
Initially a Wilfried Nancy signing, Araujo was brought in to play the wing-back role. However, a change in manager has meant reverting back to a back four.
Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan were already competing for the squad while Alistair Johnston continued his recovery from injury, but Araujo has immediately nailed down his starting spot.
He had his best game in a Celtic shirt against Falkirk and is so positive with the ball. The 24-year-old always looks forward and provides an extra option going forward on the attack, which is good news for incoming winger Joel Mvuka.
Tomas Cvancara and Benjamin Nygren scored, but who was your Celtic man of the match against Falkirk?
Julian Araujo has made Celtic better defensively
It is early days and the full-back could still get better, but the signs suggest that the Hoops are better with him at the back.
Celtic have kept clean sheets in two of his four appearances this season, which has him level with Donovan.
| Player | League appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets | Goals conceded per match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Araujo | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0.75 |
| Alistair Johnston | 15 | 14 | 5 | 0.93 |
| Anthony Ralston | 17 | 18 | 4 | 1.06 |
| Colby Donovan | 10 | 11 | 2 | 1.10 |
They have only conceded three times in those games as well, but the leader is still Johnston with five clean sheets.
When all four players are fit and ready to play, it will make for interesting competition for places.
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