Ex-Hearts chief dismisses old club

JOE SAVAGE knows better than most about the need to stick or twist in the January transfer window.

- BY GORDON PARKS

But the ex-Hearts sporting director believes Celtic, despite a catalogue of injuries, still have a strong enough squad to pip his old club to the title.

Panic could be setting in within the Parkhead recruitment department, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, Marcelo Saracchi and Jota all sidelined for a prolonged period.

But Savage reckons they are still favourites despite the Jambos sitting seven points clear at the top of the Premiership table.

He understands the conundrum facing Celtic - should they recruit solely to replace their crocks or be patient and land the players they truly want?

That said, he reckons there is an even bigger puzzle to solve for the club’s major shareholder, Dermot Desmond.

Savage said: “The biggest conundrum for Celtic is about the management team.

“If it's Martin O'Neill then you need to give him until the end of the season so he can have the January transfer window.

“Will he be trusted to bring in the couple of players Celtic need to catch Hearts and win the league? If it’s to be a new manager then Id imagine hed come in and want to bring in his own players - that could make it an even bigger revamp.