O'Neill wants Celtic purse strings loosened

Martin O’Neill claims he is entitled to at least one signing in the winter sales – and admits he will be unhappy if the transfer window passes without any Celtic acquisitions.

The Bhoys’ boss has seen his Champions League hopes restricted by injury problems, which also threaten his club’s quest for domestic domination.

He was allowed to sign only Henri Camara on loan and Juninho on a free transfer last summer – and for the first time he has shown signs that he could be getting frustrated with the Celtic board.

“It would be very easy for the manager to say he’s not getting the assistance he needs and blame someone else. I don’t want to go down that road,” said O’Neill.

“We are where we are, whatever the financial restrictions placed on this club. We have to work within the guidelines.

“However, while not knowing the situation in January, I think I would be as entitled as any other manager to have a look at players.

“Whether there will be anything there or not I don’t know – but I can’t let the January month past without trying.

“It would be disappointing to think we could let the whole month go past and we were not capable of doing something. The way things are going just now, I think we would need to find a little help in January.”

O’Neill has also jumped to the defence of under-fire striker Camara, claiming that his record of seven goals in 13 starts is up there with Henrik Larsson’s.

“I don’t have to defend him – his record is there in black and white.” he said.

Teenage goalkeeper David Marshall has also been criticised after some weak moments in recent weeks but that does not worry O’Neill, who feels he too is up there with the best.

"I have loads of faith in David as a goalkeeper and I’ve said many times in the past that I believe he’s one of the best around,” said O’Neill.

“But he set himself incredible standards in that first game against Barcelona. People will always expect you to live up to those expectations.

“We have Rab Douglas fit in about 10 days, and Magnus (Hedman) back from being with his wife during the birth of their child.

“David has had an amazing time for one so young. He won’t want a rest. But sometimes, as Alex Ferguson has done at Old Trafford, it can be for the best.”