CELTIC MANAGER O'NEILL WARNS OF TRANSFER CHALLENGES AFTER LASK LOSS

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill stated he hopes the club will not struggle to attract signings after exiting the Champions League. Celtic lost 5-1 to Austrian side LASK after extra time on Tuesday, falling 5-4 on aggregate in the play-off round. The Scottish Premiership holders will compete in the Europa League instead, with O'Neill expressing concern that the competition's reduced prestige compared to the Champions League could deter prospective recruits.

Celtic have signed four players during the current transfer window, which closes next week: Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur. However, midfielder Daizen Maeda and defender Arne Engels departed for Ipswich Town and West Ham United respectively. O'Neill acknowledged that the Champions League holds particular appeal for younger players and that financial rewards in the Europa League differ from those offered by European football's top competition.

O'Neill described Tuesday's defeat as "the major disappointment" and stated Celtic should have secured qualification by half-time, when they led 4-1 on aggregate. He said the team's second-half performance was inadequate and indicated he would analyse his own tactical decisions before assigning blame elsewhere. O'Neill called for the squad to demonstrate character in their recovery, with Celtic facing further fixture commitments ahead.