Martin O’Neill has denied any knowledge of a 19‑year‑old Australian goalkeeper who has reportedly been training with Celtic. The young player, Sonny Inzalaco, a Perth RedStar and former Australia youth international, has been seen at the club’s Lennoxtown training ground, but O’Neill insists he was unaware of the trialist’s presence. The manager also clarified that he had no information about 32‑year‑old midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who has been unattached since leaving PAOK in July, training with the Scottish champions.
The confusion surrounding Inzalaco comes amid a flurry of transfer chatter. Wrexham have expressed interest in the Perth goalkeeper, and the player had a trial with Blackburn Rovers earlier in the summer. Meanwhile, the agent of Algeria winger Fares Ghedjemis confirmed that both Celtic and Rangers had approached the 24‑year‑old during the summer transfer window, although he has now signed a contract extension with Frosinone. These developments have prompted speculation about Celtic’s potential recruitment strategy, but O’Neill has ruled out any signings before the January window.
Celtic’s front‑office has also been under scrutiny as the club prepares for a three‑game test of O’Neill’s future. The manager will face Motherwell, Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian in quick succession, a schedule that has drawn comparisons to the Northern Irishman’s own age and experience. O’Neill has stated that he cannot afford to threaten a resignation for a second time, indicating that the pressure on him is mounting as the team’s performance in the Premiership and European competitions hangs in the balance.
On the pitch, Kieran Tierney has reported feeling fit and ready to return to action after missing a Scotland call‑up due to injury. The left‑back’s recovery has been welcomed by supporters, who are eager to see him contribute to Celtic’s campaign. Meanwhile, former defender Lex Baillie revealed that some of his father’s Rangers‑supporting friends had cut ties with him after he signed for Celtic, highlighting the enduring rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs.
The Scottish Professional Football League has announced that it hopes to re‑introduce away fans to Old Firm derbies “as soon as possible”, signalling a gradual return to full stadiums as restrictions ease. This move comes as both clubs and the league look to restore the traditional atmosphere that has been missing for the past years.