Celtic star urges for quality players, calling for a Champions League transfer boost.

Celtic closing in on Champions League qualification

Celtic are now within touching distance of securing a place in the Champions League, but there is still a feeling that Martin O’Neill’s squad requires further strengthening if the club are to compete effectively at European level.

The Hoops made an important statement in the first leg of their qualifying tie against LASK last week, securing an impressive 3-0 victory at Celtic Park.

Although the Austrian champions created opportunities during the contest, Celtic ultimately proved far more clinical. Camilo Duran and Benjamin Nygren both produced outstanding finishes to give O’Neill’s side a commanding advantage ahead of the return fixture.

The result has put Celtic firmly in control of the tie, but the manager has been careful to ensure his players do not become complacent.

O’Neill has already warned his squad against assuming that qualification is guaranteed, despite the three-goal cushion.

Glasgow, UK. 13th Dec, 2023. Glasgow – The Champions League logo during the 6th leg of the UEFA Champions League group stage between Celtic v Feyenoord at Celtic Park on 13 December 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. Credit: box to box pictures/Alamy Live News

LASK manager Dietmar Kuhbauer has also promised that his team will go all-out in the second leg, insisting that they will effectively “throw the kitchen sink” at Celtic as they attempt to overturn the deficit.

That means the Scottish champions can expect a difficult evening in Austria.

Baur gets a taste of Celtic atmosphere

Despite the challenge ahead, Celtic have already demonstrated that they possess enough attacking quality to find the net again in Linz.

The performance in Glasgow was particularly memorable for Mika Baur, who was handed his first start for the club under the floodlights at Celtic Park.

The German midfielder was clearly impressed by the atmosphere generated by the Celtic support and admitted that the experience gave him a taste of what European nights at the club can be like.

For a player new to Celtic, experiencing the intensity of the supporters at a Champions League fixture provided an early introduction to one of the club’s most distinctive characteristics.

Baur is now hoping to experience many more nights like it.

The 22-year-old has revealed that friends and members of his family will make the four-hour journey from Germany to Linz to watch him play in the crucial second leg.

Their presence will make the occasion even more special for the midfielder.

Baur describes incredible Celtic support

Baur spoke enthusiastically about the opportunity for his loved ones to experience the Celtic support during such an important European fixture.

Seattle, United States. 24th June, 2026. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ermin Mahmic celebrates after scoring during a soccer game between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar, on Wednesday 24 June 2026 in Seattle, the third and last day in the group stage, in group B of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States of America. BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM Credit: Belga News Agency/Alamy Live News

He explained that everyone connected with the club wants to generate positive energy and believes the atmosphere surrounding Champions League matches is something that supporters and players can feel together.

The midfielder admitted that the experience at Celtic Park was completely new for him.

He was particularly taken aback when the Champions League anthem ended and the Celtic supporters immediately raised the noise levels inside the stadium.

Baur described the moment as extraordinary and revealed that he had goosebumps because he had never experienced anything similar before.

That reaction underlines just how quickly the German has become aware of what playing for Celtic means on major European nights.

The atmosphere clearly left a lasting impression on him, and another positive result in Austria could give him the chance to experience more Champions League occasions with the club.

Celtic still targeting midfield reinforcements

While Baur is enjoying his early experiences with Celtic, he is also aware that the club continue to look for further additions to their midfield.

O’Neill has been working to improve the squad and is believed to want another midfielder capable of adding greater physical presence and strength.

Several names have been linked with a potential move to Glasgow.

Bosnian midfielder Ermin Mahmic has reportedly held positive discussions with Celtic, while Niko Sigur and Gvidas Gineitis are also believed to remain options for strengthening the midfield.

The recruitment of another midfielder would provide O’Neill with more competition and greater depth as Celtic prepare for what could become a demanding season.

With domestic football and European competition both requiring a strong squad, additional reinforcements could prove extremely valuable.

Baur welcomes more competition

Although Baur has only recently arrived at Celtic, he has already given his opinion on the club’s recruitment plans.

The German Under-21 international believes bringing more quality into the squad would benefit everyone.

Baur openly expressed his hope that Celtic can complete further signings because he believes the team needs good players to become stronger.

He also stressed the importance of having a competitive squad where players are constantly pushing each other.

Rather than viewing new arrivals as a threat to his own position, Baur believes competition should be welcomed.

That attitude could be exactly what O’Neill wants to see from his players.

A club competing across several competitions needs quality throughout the squad, and increased competition can help maintain standards throughout a long campaign.

O’Neill wants more physicality

The type of midfielder Celtic are pursuing appears to be influenced by O’Neill’s desire to add more physical strength to his team.

Baur offers technical ability and energy, but the manager is reportedly looking for a taller and more powerful presence who can complement the German in the centre of the pitch.

Adding that profile could give Celtic greater balance and allow O’Neill to vary his approach depending on the opposition.

It would also be particularly useful in European matches, where physical battles in midfield can often determine the outcome.

If Celtic successfully complete another signing before the transfer deadline, O’Neill would have additional options to work with as the season progresses.

Baur focused on LASK return

Despite discussing Celtic’s transfer plans, Baur’s immediate attention remains firmly on the second leg against LASK.

The three-goal advantage means Celtic are in an excellent position, but the midfielder understands that European football can change quickly.

A single early goal for LASK could dramatically alter the atmosphere and momentum of the contest.

That is why Celtic must remain disciplined and focused throughout the match.

The club have previously experienced European ties where seemingly comfortable aggregate advantages suddenly became much less secure.

Baur and his teammates will therefore need to approach the match with the same concentration that helped them dominate the first leg.

Celtic know that avoiding complacency will be just as important as their attacking quality.

Champions League qualification within reach

The first-leg result has placed Celtic in a strong position, and the squad will travel to Austria knowing that they are just 90 minutes away from potentially securing Champions League qualification.

For O’Neill, the priority will be completing the job without unnecessary complications.

For Baur, the occasion will provide another opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere surrounding Celtic’s European campaign.

His family and friends will be travelling from Germany, making the fixture particularly meaningful for the young midfielder.

Meanwhile, Celtic’s recruitment team will continue working behind the scenes.

The club have already added several new players this summer, and Baur’s comments suggest that the squad itself would welcome further reinforcements.

More signings could follow

The transfer deadline on September 3 gives Celtic some additional time to strengthen before the window closes.

O’Neill is clearly keen to improve the midfield, particularly by adding a player with greater size and physicality.

Mahmic, Sigur and Gineitis remain among the potential options, although it remains to be seen whether Celtic can complete another deal.

For now, though, all attention is on LASK.

Celtic have established a commanding lead, but the players know they cannot afford to relax.

If they complete the job in Austria, the club will move into the Champions League with renewed confidence and potentially more new faces in the squad.

Baur has already experienced what makes Celtic special on European nights.

Now he wants the club to add more quality around him.

His message is simple: if Celtic want to compete at the highest level, they need a strong squad filled with good players.