Celtic address further signings, why two players missed out, mystery ban and 'longest medical in history'

Celtic’s rejuvenated frontline showed its firepower once more as they eased past the Tangerines at Tannadice, with forward Camilo Duran netting his first goal for the club. O’Neill was also able to hand debuts to winger Haissem Hassan and midfielder Mika Baur, who were signed earlier this week.

Celtic now take on Austrian outfit LASK - first on Wednesday at home before heading to Linz on Tuesday - for a place in the Champions League. O’Neill knows what is at stake and how difficult the assignment is for them.

“It is a big week for us,” said O’Neill. “We've got the game on Wednesday and then the second match the following Tuesday. They are big games in every aspect. Champions League qualification matches, everything to go for. Prestige, finance, all that type of stuff. We're trying to be as ready as we possibly can.

“I thought there were moments [against United] when we played really well. There were also moments when we were very untidy. I felt up until maybe the third goal that United were never really out of it. They hit the bar and post four or five times so that might tell you something.

“In some moments we were terrific and in other moments I felt we were just a bit untidy. We’ll have to straighten that out before Wednesday.”

O’Neill played down the prospect of any further arrivals before the first leg against LASK. “I think that we can add to it,” he said. “Whether that happens before Wednesday is a different issue. We've already announced a squad. I think you can until Tuesday night add another two players. I think in time we will get them in. But whether we do before Wednesday is another issue.”

Celtic were without defender Anthony Ralston and winger Yang Hyun-jun at Tannadice. O’Neill explained their absences. “Tony was with us, but you can only name so many [in the match-day squad],” he said. “Yang was very, very stiff after training on Thursday and missed yesterday's training. But we're hoping he should be OK for Wednesday.”

O’Neill will have to do without midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, though, after a historic European suspension came to light.

“He suspended for these games, which seems really harsh for a second yellow card about 27 years ago,” O’Neill quipped. “They must just have been waiting for him to get another game.

“We weren't aware of that at the time. Alex certainly didn't make us aware of it, but he wouldn't have known in fairness. And I think he thought because there was a couple of games after that for his club team, I think he wasn't involved with the club, not involved, but didn't get into the squad, therefore as a consequence that doesn't count.”

Fellow midfielder Arne Engels is also out. He is now a West Ham player. “I think he was doing a medical yesterday,” smiled O’Neill when asked for an update. “Maybe it’s the longest medical in history.” The deal was confirmed minutes after O’Neill’s press conference for a transfer fee in the region of £22 million.