The Celtic transfer 'concern' surrounding Kelechi Iheanacho

The manager revealed this during a recent post-match discussion, expressing his desire to bring the striker back to Celtic.

O'Neill said: "If we can do something relatively quickly, at least he then gets started in pre-season, which is really important for him.

"It's something he didn't have last year, so that would be nice.

"I'm definitely pursuing that at this minute. He won't be in Portugal with us, but we are talking to his agent now at this moment. I would like to have him."

The podcast hosts, Josh McCafferty and Hamish Carton, both expressed their support for the idea of re-signing Iheanacho.

However, they did question the delay in securing the deal, given the importance of pre-season training.

They also noted the possible fitness and match sharpness concerns surrounding the player.

The duo compared the situation to that of Marcelo Saracchi, another player that O'Neill has expressed interest in signing.

They highlighted the importance of getting players in early to ensure they are ready for the start of the season.

McCafferty said: "Martin O'Neill doesn't expect him to join up with the squad in Portugal.

"Celtic have been back now for a fortnight. That's fourteen days of training that He's missed out on it."

He also noted that Iheanacho has been back in Nigeria, playing games on Red Ash pitches, raising concerns about potential injuries.

The podcast hosts then discussed the striker options at Celtic, expressing contentment with the current line-up of Callum Osmond, Iheanacho, and a starting number nine.

However, they also acknowledged the need for a more reliable goal scorer, as suggested by O'Neill.

The discussion then moved on to other positions in the squad, with the hosts agreeing that the midfield is an area that needs strengthening.

However, they noted that any arrivals in this area would likely depend on departures.

They also briefly discussed the need for a new goalkeeper, given the current options of Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan.

The podcast hosts also touched on the performances of some of the academy players in recent pre-season games, with several catching their eye.

However, they acknowledged the need for these players to be given opportunities in games that matter, rather than just pre-season friendlies.

The podcast ended with a preview of the upcoming game against Sporting CP, with the hosts hoping to see a debut for Camilo Duran.

They also discussed the potential return of players who have been involved in international duty, such as Kieran Tierney.

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