WELSH COULD GO BACK TO STEELMEN

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

- BY RYAN MCDONALD

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

Now the 20-year-old - who plays for Israeli club Maccabi Netanya - looks poised for the Premier League, with Sunderland appearing to be leading the race for his signature.

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

Discussions are believed to be ongoing with Red Bull Bragantino over a deal for Uruguay international Ignacio Laquintana, 26, who plays as a winger.