Strachan eyes new recruits

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has calmed fears over the club’s progress in the transfer market by insisting he could make new signings before Sunday’s league opener against St Mirren.

The Hoops signed winger Pat McCourt from Derry City in June and clinched a permanent deal for Georgios Samaras following the striker’s loan from Manchester City.

But Strachan is determined to bring in more new faces, and there could several players moving in at Parkhead before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Strachan said: “We are trying our best to sign players at the moment. (Chief executive) Peter Lawwell is active at the moment, working very hard.

“From the players’ point of view I’m hopeful the squad can be added to before the start of the season. If it doesn’t I get on with it.

“It’s unfair to talk about targets. Let’s just say we are active in quite a few places.”