Celtic have now set their sights on a defensive addition and are now plotting a move to welcome a former Liverpool defender, who received high praise from Jurgen Klopp.
O’Neill admits full-time scenes “taint” Old Firm
After coming from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic were always expecting a tight game against Rangers in the Scottish Cup. What they were not expecting is the full-time scenes that followed their win on penalties against their arch rivals.
As Celtic fans flooded the pitch in celebration, they were soon met with angered Rangers fans – sparking an almighty clash between the two and some unsavory scenes.
Martin O’Neill had his say on the matter, telling reporters after the game: “As we were making our way back, I think there was some sort of fracas; somebody tried to get on the field. I don’t know, all I saw was there was a bit of a scrum down at the bottom.
“And as you say, maybe it does taint proceedings, but I think there’s an element of self-protection in that one. So if that’s the case, please, I’m making judgments here on things that I only half saw.”
The legendary Manchester United pair had different opinions…
“The security men, in fairness to them, were wanting to get people off. But there is a natural euphoria about winning a game and about fans joining in. If this has gone too far, that would be disappointing.”
Consequences are likely on the way for both sets of fans before the focus can turn back to the result that Celtic came away with. And when that focus does return, so will Celtic’s pursuit of reinforcements.
Celtic plotting move to sign Ozan Kabak
One of those reinforcements is likely to be a centre-back. According to TeamTalk, Celtic are now plotting a move to sign Ozan Kabak, who is on course to become a free agent at the end of his Hoffenheim deal this summer.
The Turkish defender has found his feet since returning to Germany after a difficult loan spell at Liverpool in the 2020/21 campaign, which was full of injuries for the Reds.
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The Bhoys face a potential battle to keep him.
Even in a mixed spell, however, Kabak still did enough to earn praise from Klopp, who described his performance against RB Leipzig as “incredible” alongside the rest of Liverpool’s back four.
The defender himself, now 25 years old, recently reflected on his Anfield spell and that Leipzig game – saying: “It was just a position misunderstanding with Ali at the time that caused a problem, but the next game, three days later, I played against Leipzig (in the Champions League’s last 16), and we won with a great performance.
“I’m proud of myself, actually, because it’s not easy to show courage and to show up, even if you fail.”
This is no longer the young defender who struggled at Liverpool. This is someone who is experienced and someone who could transform Celtic’s backline.