NEEDS MUST

O'Neill admits Welsh is back due to lack of Celts recruits while one-time target Ta Bi could be heading for EPL

- RYAN MCDONALD

MARTIN O'NEILL admits Celtic's lack of transfer activity left him with no option but to recall Stephen Welsh.

The Hoops have endured a frustrating window, pulling the plug on a £2million deal to land Ivory Coast attacker Jocelin Ta Bi at the medical stage.

Now the 20-year-old who plays for Israeli side.

Maccabi Netanya - looks poised for the Premier League, with Sunderland said to be leading the race for his signature.

Celtic are exploring other options as they continue their search for at least one centre-half, winger and striker.

Discussions are believed to be ongoing with Red.

Bull Bragantino over a deal for Uruguay international Ignacio Laquintana, who plays as a winger.

But with O'Neill short of defensive cover, the club have exercised their right to bring back Welsh from Motherwell.

The 25-year-old, who excelled under Jens Berthel Askou to help send Well fourth, returned to training at Lennoxtown yesterday.