Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is convinced that reaching the Champions League proper can serve as the club's trump card in attracting major transfer targets before the summer window shuts on September 3.
The Glasgow club welcome Austrian double winners LASK to Parkhead tonight for the first leg of their play-off tie. Celtic are looking to make amends for last season's heartbreak, when they were eliminated at the same stage by Kazakhstani side Kairat Almaty.
O'Neill remains eager to bolster his squad despite already spending £30million on four new recruits during the current transfer window. He believes elite European football is essential to winning over players who may currently be hesitating over a move to Scotland.
European prestige and transfer lure
Reflecting on the contrast between UEFA competitions, O'Neill noted that squad depth is critical when competing across multiple tournaments.
"I often think there are some teams in the Europa League that are Champions League material, teams like Stuttgart last year," O'Neill said. "But overall, my experience of last season in the Europa would suggest you would need strength in depth to keep a level domestically and cope with these Champions League games in midweek."
The Celtic manager emphasized that group stage qualification offers both financial rewards and vital leverage in ongoing transfer negotiations.
"If we can progress, you'd think then there are some players you are looking at and who might be dallying, they might think the Champions League is worthwhile going for," O'Neill explained. "I think if you did qualify for the Champions League, even though you only have a period of a week or something, you might be able to attract other players from that viewpoint. So, it's got all its merits, of course, financially. But for me, it's the prestige as much as anything else."
Search for Arne Engels replacement
Celtic have brought in four new signings this summer, adding Colombian forward Camilo Duran, Danish striker Kasper Hogh, winger Haissem Hassan and midfielder Mika Baur to their ranks.
However, the departure of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels to English Premier League side West Ham United in a £22m deal last week left a significant void in central midfield. The Scottish champions have so far been frustrated in their efforts to secure a direct replacement.
O'Neill acknowledged the dismay among supporters regarding the timing of Engels' exit shortly before a crucial European play-off tie.
"Yeah, I will understand any arguments put forward about that," O'Neill said. "If I was looking at it from a distance, ideally, it'd be great to have kept him."
He explained that Engels' performances since January had drawn significant interest from suitors. "I suppose, Arne, from January, his stats and all that type of stuff would become relevant, therefore he would have been high on someone's list. When the offer came in, when there was nothing happened at all in early proceedings, I'm not saying you're hoping it'll lie down."
O'Neill insisted Celtic have been working constantly behind the scenes to bring in an equivalent player. "And in fairness to us, we've actually actively been looking at replacements for him, they just haven't materialised at this minute. It's sometimes that happens. We've actively been looking for a similar type player to him."
Midfield departure and injury news
The manager revealed he attempted to persuade Engels to remain in Glasgow until after the two-legged tie against LASK, but the Belgian was determined to finalize his move to London immediately.
O'Neill explained that Engels feared sustaining an injury that could scupper his move to West Ham, pointing to Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, who suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out until next month.
"We did," O'Neill said. "He had his mind made up, that's what he wanted to do. In fairness to the lad, he played in the league games, let's give him credit for that. I think when Alistair Johnston got injured, I think he thought, it could happen to him and that chance to not play down in London, and West Ham are a big club who can afford to take him."
O'Neill added that keeping an unhappy player could have compromised performances on the pitch. "So, we stop him from going, we play, and he plays the game and let's say his mind is elsewhere, that becomes a problem. That's the thing. But I also take your point and you can argue it anywhere you want that maybe we should have had a replacement in. But again, I've tried as much as possible to get a bit of quality in."
Aside from Johnston's ongoing recovery, Celtic have no fresh injury concerns heading into tonight's fixture. Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate may also still have a role to play at Parkhead.
LASK challenge at Parkhead
Despite Celtic's motivation to reach the elite stage of European football, O'Neill warned that Austrian champions LASK will present a formidable obstacle over the two legs.
"I think the game is going to be very, very difficult," O'Neill said. "I think they're a very fine side, champions of Austria. We've watched them now on numerous occasions. We've had people watching them live. Obviously, I've had a chance to see them."
He praised the opposition's athletic qualities and organization ahead of the Glasgow clash. "So, they're very strong, very, very competitive. Very fast up front as well too. Lots of good players on the side. And they're very, very strong. Physically strong as well too. So, this will be a difficult task for us."
