O'Neill tells Celtic's board that incoming gaffer Wilfried must be handed the tools for a Hoops rebuild

MARTIN O'NEILL has told Celtic's board they must back a Wilfried Nancy rebuild.

- CRAIG SWAN

The Parkhead club are set to unveil the Frenchman as their new manager.

Nancy will be given the opportunity to put his own stamp on to the squad and O'Neill admits signings are vital for the new boss if the club wants to be properly competitive again in Europe.

Celtic face Feyenoord tonight having taken just four points from their four Europa League outings so far and the interim boss is clear that additions in January and beyond are needed.

O'Neill said: "Absolutely. If you have recruited a manager, that's fine. But recruitment is essential. It's really important.

"Last year in terms of Europe it was like a nice, shining light, as if you could push on. Then you step back again and it's not so strong.

"In the next couple of years Celtic will come again in European football.

"They might just have to step back for a while at this minute.