Martin O'Neill reveals part of team he is not looking to reinforce as suspension kicks in

The American was injured during both of O’Neill’s two tenures last season after rupturing his Achilles, but has now recovered and is an integral part of the manager’s plans for the 2026/27 campaign.

O’Neill’s other options at centre-half include fellow US internationalist Auston Trusty, who only returned to training last week after a family matter, Liam Scales and Dane Murray. The Northern Irish coach declared himself satisfied with his hand.

"No, not at the minute,” said O’Neill when asked if he was eyeing up signings in that area. "Big Dane is two years behind because of injuries. I think he's got a lot of potential. Scales and Trusty – yeah. With Carter-Vickers out last year, it was a bit of a problem because Trusty ended up playing on the right-hand side. With Trusty back now, hopefully we've got a bit of balance.”

O’Neill said he has been “encouraged” by Carter-Vickers’ work in pre-season. "He's getting there game by game,” reported the manager. “Obviously, he had a serious injury.

"I'd have to go back and watch some games in the past when he was at his best, but the coaching staff are telling me they think he can get back to what he was, which would be very encouraging.

"I've never had him, so I genuinely don't know what he's like. I've seen him play from a distance, but you don't know until you're working with somebody.

"His attitude is very strong, he wants to do well. Each day he's training – there are only two times out of all the sessions we've had, morning and afternoon, that he's missed out.”

O’Neill has a decision to make on who partners Carter-Vickers in Monday’s Premiership opener against Dundee as Scales is serving the first of a two-match ban. Trusty could come in despite having limited time on the training ground.

"I'll have a look,” added O’Neill. “He's trained; he's been here since Monday. Physically, he's never in bad condition. I just want to see how he's feeling. We'll see how Trusty is in the next couple of days.”