O’Neill ponders double swoop

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill will decide this week whether to further his interest in Dani and Ivan de la Pena.

The Portuguese star and Spanish international were invited to Parkhead and, having trained yesterday, will have their fitness assessed.

The biggest concern is that neither would be available for the first Champions League group stage and would therefore only be able to play in the club’s domestic fixtures.

O’Neill said: “They are here on a fitness assessment and it is a chance for them to take a look at us and for us to have a look at them, nothing more. We have to wait and see what happens over the next few days. It is an open-ended thing for both parties at this stage.

“Obviously the big disadvantage is neither would be eligible to play in the Champions League and that is something we would have to take into consideration.

“Things were very congested before the transfer window closed and it was relatively later on before we were made aware of the availability of both players.