In a commanding display at Celtic Park, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill celebrated his team's 3-0 victory over Aberdeen on September 2, 2026, but quickly shut down questions regarding transfer speculation as the deadline approached.
After the match, O’Neill was approached by BBC reporter Alasdair Lamont, who attempted to discuss potential late signings. However, O’Neill was not interested in the topic, stating, "There’s no point in talking to me about that. I have done very well giving you all that information. Now, please, I have to go and see – because there’s a deadline at about a minute to eleven o’clock.” His abrupt response highlighted his focus on the game rather than the transfer market.
Despite the transfer chatter, O’Neill was more than willing to discuss his team's performance against Aberdeen. He expressed satisfaction with the way his players executed their game plan, noting, "We played very well. We seemed to control the game for the most part." The manager emphasized the importance of scoring first, acknowledging that the match was still in balance despite Celtic's possession advantage.
Celtic's victory was marked by an impressive offensive display, with standout performances from several players. Camilo Duran, who has made a significant impact since joining the club, was again pivotal in the team's success. O’Neill praised Duran, stating, "He’s a terrific player. You talk about setting the tone… he has set the tone for us since the beginning of the season. He’s been really terrific." Duran's versatility was also highlighted, as he has adapted to various positions on the field, contributing to the team's overall effectiveness.
In addition to discussing Duran, O’Neill offered insights into new signing Shim Mheuka, who joined Celtic on loan from Chelsea. The manager expressed confidence in Mheuka's abilities, saying, "I think he’s a fine player. I’m not surprised that Chelsea have extended his contract. He’s a terrific prospect, I think he seems to be a really good lad, level-headed, wants to do well for the football club, wanted to come to us, which is very encouraging." This endorsement reflects O’Neill's optimism about Mheuka's potential contributions to the squad.
As the transfer deadline looms, the focus for Celtic remains on maintaining their strong form in the Scottish Premiership. With this victory, the Hoops continue to assert their dominance in the league, and O’Neill’s ability to keep his players focused on the pitch will be crucial as they navigate the final stretch of the transfer window.
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