Football - UEFA Champions League - Galatasaray A.Åž. Liverpool FC - MD-1 LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, September 29, 2025: Liverpool s team-mates Joe Gomez L and captain Virgil van Dijk during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray A.Åž. and Liverpool FC. Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts/Propaganda LIVERPOOL AXA Training Centre MERSEYSIDE ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex P2025-09-29-Liverpool_UCL_TRAINING-27
Celtic legend Alan McInally believes Martin O’Neill has already been assured of significant financial backing to reshape the squad this summer.
The Parkhead club are expected to confirm O’Neill as permanent manager after agreeing a new one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.
McInally is delighted the 74-year-old Northern Irishman will remain at the helm but has urged chairman Dermot Desmond to invest heavily in the squad.
McInally said: “I can only assume Martin will be given a decent bag of money to bring in some players.”
The former Hoops striker was blunt in his message to the Celtic hierarchy, adding: “I don’t think Dermot Desmond can give him 50 quid and then say, ‘go and win the league!'”
McInally acknowledged supporter frustration from the previous campaign, noting there were concerns about spending decisions rather than simply the overall level of investment.
He said: “Speaking to Celtic fans, there was a frustration about, maybe not the lack of investment as such, but the lack of investment at the right times or the right kind of spending.”
McInally also reflected on how the title race played out last season, pointing out that the outcome was far from guaranteed despite Celtic eventually winning the league.
O’Neill is expected to oversee notable squad changes this summer, with midfielder Reo Hatate reportedly seeking an exit alongside fellow Japan international Daizen Maeda.
Decisions also loom over short-term signings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kelechi Iheanacho, with both players waiting on Celtic to trigger extensions to their existing deals.
McInally argued the club must be equipped to compete not just domestically but on the European stage, with Champions League qualification a key priority for the incoming permanent manager.
He said: “The Champions League was a massive disappointment last year and that’s something Martin will want to address, because that is the stage Celtic have to be on.”
The former striker also pointed to the threat posed by rivals, warning that Hearts look settled and that the depth of Rangers’ resources remains an unknown factor heading into the new campaign.
McInally has urged Celtic to retain Iheanacho, believing O’Neill has already demonstrated his ability to get the best from the forward during the closing weeks of last season.
He said: “I would keep him. If he can perform the way he did in the last six games over the course of the season then he’s obviously worth keeping.”
McInally highlighted the challenge of keeping Iheanacho fit and focused throughout an entire campaign but was optimistic, joking that O’Neill might need to keep a close eye on the striker’s lifestyle in Glasgow.
He concluded: “Some players need a kick and others need a hug — although most want a hug these days — but if Martin feels he can get him going again then he’s definitely worth keeping.”
About the Author
