Martin O'Neill is soon to be confirmed as Celtic's next permanent manager, although the confirmation continues to be delayed at time of writing. When O'Neill's arrival is made official, the veteran boss is going to have his hands full, with a busy summer ahead behind the scenes at Parkhead.
The Hoops want to be far more dominant in the coming season, and they are going to want to qualify and make a strong case in the Champions League. Here we take a look at some of the more pressing tasks that await O'Neill this summer.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Literally speaking, few decisions will have a sooner deadline than the one involving striker Kelechi Iheanacho, whose contract is currently set to expire at the end of this month. Celtic have the option to extend the striker's deal for another season on the current terms, but they are unlikely to do so unless both parties are in full agreement.
O'Neill described Iheanacho's contribution as 'really terrific', but he admitted Iheanacho has struggled with fitness and that a full pre-season would do him good.
With Iheanacho unlikely to have clubs queuing up for him, Celtic could let the deal expire and offer him a new deal, perhaps even on cheaper or more convenient terms, but they would likely prefer to do the extention - if that is something they want to do - to be fair to all parties. That decision will lie with O'Neill, though, and it's a decision he will have to make relatively quickly.
Kasper Shcmeichel's replacement
Celtic are going to have to add depth to the goalkeeper position this summer folllowing Kasper Schmeichel's retirement. Viljami Sinisalo filled in between the sticks in the back end of the season, and it's likely he will be seen as a viable option.
But O'Neill is going to want real competition at the goalkeeper position, and that likely means finding a new goalkeeper on the market. It's not easy to source a reliable keeper, so the Hoops need to get on with this bit of recruitment early doors.
Who stays and who goes?
Another of the early decisions that will have to be made is who stays and who goes amid a forming queue at Parkhead this summer. Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Arne Engels all appear to be in demand this summer, and all three may want to seize their chance to move on to clubs in the top leagues.
All three could land significant fees for the Bhoys, but selling all three could leave the Hoops with a lot of work to do this summer. O'Neill and the club's board are going to have to decide whether they are willing to sell all three, given bids are likely, and if they are, how they can replace them effectively.
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