O’Neill sets record straight on Celtic signing ‘excellent’ fan favourite

Celtic interim boss Martin O’Neill has sought to temper expectations regarding a permanent deal for Bournemouth loanee Julian Araujo.

The Mexico international arrived in the early days of the January transfer window as the only signing of Wilfried Nancy’s ill-fated 33-day stint in charge of the Parkhead club.

Celtic later also added Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, Benjamin Arthur, Joel Mvuka and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Araujo has had the most chances to impress so far, and he has certainly gripped this opportunity to get his career back on track with both hands.

The 24-year-old has featured in every Premiership match since joining and has quickly become a fan favourite thanks to his hugely encouraging performances. The former LA Galaxy youngster, who struggled at Barcelona and Bournemouth, is thriving in Glasgow.

Unsurprisingly, then, supporters are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window and wondering whether the right-back could remain at Celtic Park beyond this season.

O’Neill plays down Araujo rumours

However, according to interim boss Martin O’Neill, it is too early to start thinking about what may happen after this season. After all, Araujo still has a long-term contract at Bournemouth and will surely have ambitions of becoming a Premier League regular.

“I think he’s done really well, really well,” O’Neill told the Celtic FC Podcast. “He’s got good character, he wants to do well. His heart is in the right place as well, too. There are parts to his game that he knows himself that he can really tighten up.

“I think the experience here, if he stays clear of serious injury, will stand him in really good stead. If, for instance, he was heading back to Bournemouth to really challenge for a place in the Premier League team, then I think all of this experience will be great for him.

“He’s been excellent. There are parts of his game that I, as a manager and coach, see that he can definitely improve on. But he’s had a great impact here so far.”

Earlier this week, O’Neill urged patience regarding Celtic’s potential summer business, given that the club are still in the midst of seeking out a new permanent head coach, who will want to have a say in the club’s recruitment.

“Let’s see how the season pans out first,” the 73-year-old said. “They won’t want much of my involvement if we don’t win another game.

“I am sure that the new manager coming in, and Celtic should be on the search now, should be looking and have his own scouting system up and running. There will be a more robust look at how we approach the transfer market.

“Sometimes it does go to the last minute, but it’s about having things in place and up and running, not like last year.”

As for Araujo, he admitted last week that he is loving life in Glasgow so far. “Football’s crazy, anything can happen. I’ve been happy here, I’m enjoying my football and I let my agent handle the rest.

“But of course I’ve been happy here. Obviously, it’s a good city, good club, good people most importantly. I think at the end of the day, I just want to play football and the rest my agent can handle.”

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