The Scottish Women's Premier League winter transfer window is set to slam shut later today, with Celtic Women making just two signings so far.
Manchester City prospect Tara O'Hanlon joined Celtic on loan from the Women's Super League side late in January. The left-sided fullback was recalled from her loan at Sunderland in the WSL2 to be sent to the SWPL, where she will play her football until the end of the season.
She began her career at Bohemian before making the move to Peamount United. She was a big part of their squad that won the League of Ireland title in 2023, and she earned her first senior call-up for the Republic of Ireland in April of that year. She has gone on to make a total of four appearances for her country. In 2024, she signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Man City.
She is a player known for not only her defensive ability, but also her attacking mindset and speed. That is exactly the fullback profile that the Hoops look for, and when she gets a solid run in the team, she will certainly be a player who complements the brilliant Emma Lawton in the other fullback position.
Poppy Pritchard also joins the Celts from Man City on loan after featuring for Durham for the first part of the season.
Pritchard is a striker who is an academy product of WSL2 side Durham. She made under 50 appearances for the club before moving to fellow English side Man City, where she signed a three-and-a-half-year deal. She was also the subject of interest from other massive clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur.
Since joining City, she has been sent out on loan to clubs like Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Durham, and now Celtic. She is a player with experience at all levels and could be brilliant under Grant Scott.
Scott decided to start her in the Sky Sports Cup match against Rangers at Broadwood. Despite Celtic losing, Pritchard scored a penalty and looked comfortable on the ball. She is a player who fans have already grown fond of and want to see more of.
Transfer verdict - good or bad?
There will definitely be mixed opinions on the transfer window. On one hand, Celtic brought in two solid players who will definitely appear for the club. On the other hand, the club only made two signings, and people would certainly have been expecting more. There is still time for some additions to the squad.
At the end of last year, summer signings Aislin Streicek and Grace Courter left the club after failing to settle into life in Glasgow. That was a big hit for the manager at the time, Elena Sadiku, as both players seemed like they would be brilliant for the Hoops.
Fans were expecting Celtic to not only replace these two players but to bring in even more. That hasn't happened thus far. However, the squad still looks strong going into the rest of the season.
In net: Chloe Logan, Lisa Rodgers, Adelaide Gay. Three brilliant options, and we won't need to look for another goalkeeper anytime soon, with Lisa Rodgers being in fantastic form since the start of the campaign.
At the back: Claire Walsh, Amy Richardson, Chloe Craig, Kelly Clark, Hannah Luke, Tara O'Hanlon, Emma Lawton and Darra Dawson. Another area of the park where we are strong. Although at times, like in the cup match against Rangers, Celtic have made some clear defensive areas, on paper, we have strong options.
Midfield: Lisa Robertson, Nat Ross, Jenny Smith, Shannon McGregor, Momo Nakao, Clare Goldie, and Sienna McGoldrick. An area where we are extremely strong. Momo has been brilliant all season, and Robertson's return to the club has proven she is still a brilliant asset in the top flight.
Our attacking output comes from: Amy Gallacher, Emma Westin, Maria McAneny, Poppy Pritchard, Morgan Cross, and Saoirse Noonan. Pritchard improves our striking options, with our wingers looking effective.
It's a great squad, there is no denying that. There may be some areas that we could improve in the summer, but for now, these players are more than capable of winning the league.
Manager Scott must have been happy with the players as well. He seems like a man who would get the players he wants, so if he is happy to go into the rest of the season with this squad, then he clearly thinks they are good enough to compete. The head coach has just a few hours remaining should he choose to bring anyone else to Glasgow.