Martin O’Neill admits Celtic signings ‘surprised’ by Scottish football in squad reflection

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has revealed that several of the club's summer signings have been surprised by the pace of Scottish domestic football. His comments followed Celtic's dramatic 3-2 victory over Besiktas, which earned the team their first points in their European campaign. O’Neill stressed that new arrivals require time to adapt to the physical and fast-paced demands of the domestic game.

O’Neill handed starts to Jordan Lotomba and Kasper Hogh against Besiktas, while also naming Oliver Sorensen among the squad members still adjusting. Second-half substitutes influenced the European win, with Callum Osmand scoring on his first touch and Camilo Duran netting his 13th goal of the season. The manager explained that rotating the squad remains essential to sustain performances across both European and domestic competitions.