O'Neill confirms Celtic are hunting for left-back cover: 'We are definitely looking at that'

Martin O'Neill has confirmed Celtic are in the market for a left-back this summer, admitting the club are "definitely" looking for support for Kieran Tierney. Speaking to broadcaster Radio Scotland after the Scottish Premiership opener, O'Neill said Tierney cannot carry the load alone across a long campaign. The 29-year-old defender helped Celtic beat Dundee 1-0 at Parkhead on Monday, but with a Champions League playoff against LASK and three domestic competitions to come, the manager wants cover. "Kieran, with the best will in the world, will not get through every single game," O'Neill said. "We've got some young lads in the academy who are very fine players, but I think it's a wee bit early for them." Celtic have made only two signings this summer, and both forwards made their league debuts against Dundee. Club-record arrival Kasper Hogh had a night to forget in front of goal, while Camilo Duran was used on the right flank. O'Neill defended Hogh after the Denmark international missed several chances. "He could have scored two or three goals quite easily," he said. "He will definitely get better. There's no question about it, and he will score goals for the football club." He also saw promise in Duran, who was playing out of position. "He can turn people as he did on the edge of the six-yard box, brilliantly really, and crosses the ball that we could have scored from," O'Neill said. Celtic have already ruled out signing a centre-back and are instead looking to add a winger, with Frosinone's Fares Ghedjemis and Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan on the radar. The club are also trying to keep Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels, who have suitors in Everton and West Ham United respectively.