In an ideal world, all of Celtic’s new signings would be able to contribute in all competitions.
But in this day and age, nothing is ever simple.
Martin O’Neill completed three additions on Deadline Day, adding to the two already brought in earlier in the month.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also a live option for Celtic and could potentially become their third winter addition.
But for all of Celtic’s signings, and that one in particular, one looming deadline could be giving O’Neill a headache as we speak.
Celtic’s looming Europa League deadline
The window for registration for Celtic’s remaining Europa League matches shuts at 11PM UK time on Thursday, February 5th.
After that, there’s no room for the squad to be changed at all – regardless of how deep Celtic make it into the tournament.
Of course, Hoops fans may not be expecting much from the tie; Celtic haven’t won a European tie after Christmas since O’Neill’s first spell as manager.
But if they are to defeat Stuttgart, they will have to achieve it with just three of their five new signings, due to a limit on the number of new players who can be registered.
Of Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, Benjamin Arthur and Joel Mvuka, two will have to be ruled out of the Hoops’ European campaign altogether.
If Oxlade-Chamberlain is to sign, he will also be unavailable for Europe, unless brought in before the 11PM deadline.
Earlier in the season, Brendan Rodgers made the decision to leave four summer signings out of his European squad due to regulations.
Wednesday’s postponed clash with Aberdeen would’ve been an ideal time to see some of his deadline day additions, but O’Neill will alas have to make decisive judgements on players who haven’t yet kicked a ball for Celtic.
Martin O’Neill on Celtic target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Speaking on the potential signing of Oxlade-Chamberlain, O’Neill said: “No it’s not the money, it’s not for the money.
“I have spoken to him. Obviously I had a look at what he was doing in Turkey and it was fine.
“He was playing in a more withdrawn role, I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was out there and asked if he would help in that sort of position. You don’t lose ability.
“You might lose a bit of hunger, but he was definitely up for it. He was up for a challenge. At 32 years of age he’s still got it.
“He will have other options. He is training at Arsenal and Arsenal have had a few in so they might even take him on.
“But he knew about the club, he had spoken to Joe Hart, that was just by chance or a coincidence. I’m not saying he spoke to Joe Hart two days ago, it might have been months ago.