Callum McGregor admits Celtic squad still needs strengthening before transfer deadline

The Hoops have spent the bulk of £30million on Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur this summer, but the final stages in Linz exposed the limitations that remain within Martin O’Neill’s squad.

Liam Scales ended the game at left-back, with Dane Murray and Anthony Ralston also drafted into the defence. Luke McCowan was introduced in midfield, while Sebastian Tounekti finished on the left flank.

With eight days remaining before the transfer window closes, McGregor believes Celtic still need greater competition and cover across the squad.

“I think we signed well,” McGregor said via BBC Sport Scotland, when asked if the club did enough to prepare for the tie. “Then when you look at the team that finished the game – Scalesy playing at left-back, etc – then there’s still little bits we still need to move forward.

“That’s not me pinning the blame on anyone else because this is a tie we go 4-0 up in, so by no means is this me saying we need a left-back. That’s not the case.

“But then, every squad wants to be as strong as it possibly can be, and have cover and good players in every position so we’re always pushing each other.”