Celtic's transfer strategy remains on course despite manager Martin O'Neill's recent health-related absence, assistant coach Shaun Maloney confirmed.
O'Neill, who underwent a minor procedure and was released from the hospital over the weekend, was not present in the dugout for Celtic's dominant 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. However, he did address the players in a team meeting prior to the match.
Maloney stated that O'Neill has been in contact with chief executive Michael Nicholson and that the club's transfer targets have not changed. "Business is going on as normal," Maloney said. "He's still able to talk to Michael and the targets we have are still the same."
Maloney acknowledged the need to support O'Neill during his recovery, stating, "We have to respect what he's been through and trying to take some of the workload off him for a few days." He added that he hopes O'Neill will be back next week. A definitive timeline for O'Neill's return has not yet been set. Celtic's next match is against Dundee United in the League Cup.
Maloney also praised the performance of club-record signing Kasper Hogh, who scored a first-half hat-trick against Kilmarnock. "It was huge for him. He's really settled in quickly," Maloney commented. "We know if we create chances, he will score them."
Meanwhile, Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann took responsibility for his team's defensive performance, which saw them concede nine goals in their opening two league matches. "I'll take responsibility for that today," McCann said. "I asked the boys to try and play and be brave. I went quite aggressive today and quite open. We've made some errors within that and we were punished by a really good Celtic side."
Kilmarnock is set to face rivals Ayr United in the League Cup on Friday night as they aim to improve their form.