Martin O’Neill cuts off BBC reporter as Celtic transfer deadline looms

The Hoops boss was in good spirits following an impressive performance at Celtic Park, but quickly shut down BBC reporter Alasdair Lamont when the conversation turned towards potential late additions.

On BBC Sportsound, Lamont began: “There’s been another couple of names doing the rounds…”

O’Neill immediately interrupted: “There’s no point in talking to me about that. I have done very well giving you all that information.

“Now, please, I have to go and see – because there’s a deadline at about a minute to eleven o’clock.”

Host Kenny Macintyre joked afterwards that Lamont had been “put in his place” by the Celtic manager.

O’Neill had been much more forthcoming when discussing his side’s display against Aberdeen, with Celtic securing another three points in convincing fashion.

“We played very well. We seemed to control the game for the most part.

“The first goal is a big one, because the game at that stage is still in the balance despite us having more possession.

“But overall, just delighted with the win, delighted with the goals that we scored and pretty pleased with the display.”

Camilo Duran was again at the heart of Celtic’s best work, continuing his outstanding start to life in Glasgow.

Asked about Duran being ‘worth his weight in gold’, O’Neill said: “Yeah, of course he is. He’s a terrific player.

“You talk about setting the tone… he has set the tone for us since the beginning of the season. He’s been really terrific.

“He’s played wide for us before Hassan came in, and now he’s playing in a position which is really strong for him.

“But he can play in a number of positions. He’s that good.”

O’Neill also offered his first assessment of new Celtic signing Shim Mheuka, who has arrived from Chelsea on loan.

“I think he’s a fine player. I’m not surprised that Chelsea have extended his contract.

“He’s a terrific prospect, I think he seems to be a really good lad, level-headed, wants to do well for the football club, wanted to come to us, which is very encouraging.

“Yeah. Delighted.”