Celtic is gearing up for a crucial period as they prepare for their Champions League play-off against Austrian champions LASK Linz. The first leg is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, at Celtic Park, with a kick-off time of 8pm, followed by the return leg on Tuesday, August 25, also at 8pm. The upcoming matches are pivotal for the club, as they aim to secure a place in the lucrative Champions League group stage.

Transfer Deadline Looms

The Celtic board faces a pressing deadline to finalize their 25-man squad for the play-off. They must submit this roster by 10.59pm on Thursday, August 13. While UEFA allows clubs to register up to two additional players by 10.59pm on August 18, the majority of the squad needs to be set well in advance. With only two weeks remaining, Celtic must act quickly to assemble a team capable of navigating a tie valued at approximately £40 million.

Performance and Priorities

Celtic's recent opening-day victory over Dundee underscored the urgency for squad improvements. New signings Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh made their competitive debuts, with Duran playing on the wing and Hogh struggling to capitalize on scoring opportunities. While it is premature to judge their performances based on one match, it highlighted the need for enhanced creativity and quality in the squad, particularly in wide areas.

Additionally, speculation continues regarding the futures of key players Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels, with interest from English clubs persisting. Selling important players without securing suitable replacements could jeopardize Celtic's chances in the upcoming play-off. The club must prioritize strengthening their midfield, especially if they lose Engels, to ensure they are adequately prepared for the challenge against LASK.

As the transfer window approaches its conclusion, Celtic's management must navigate these critical decisions carefully to bolster their squad ahead of a pivotal moment in their season.