Celtic interim boss Martin O’Neill has added a trio of winter signings – right-back Julian Araujo, striker Tomas Cvancara and forward Junior Adamu – to his Europa League squad for the play-off against Stutgart.
The club’s other January loan arrivals, Lorient winger Joel Mvuka and Brentford defender Benjamin Arthur, miss out.
Advertisement
So too does Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who will undergo a medical on Saturday before signing for the remainder of the season.
Celtic were permitted to make three changes to their Europa League squad and attacking midfielder Michel-Ange Balikwisha has dropped out after struggling to make an impact since joining last summer.
Injured striker Callum Osmand and Johnny Kenny, who departed on loan to Bolton on deadline day, are the other players to make way.
Advertisement
“In terms of European football, I wanted to make changes to players who had been at the football club rather than waiting around,” said O’Neill.
“I think there might be a bit of disappointment there from Alex’s viewpoint, wanting to show what he can do on the European stage. We had to press on.
“But if he can get up to speed, I do believe he’s got the desire. He wants to do well. He’s 32, which in this day and age is really no age whatsoever for players that look after themselves.”
Advertisement
Araujo has been heavily involved since joining on loan from Bournemouth in early January, while Cvancara has hit the ground running with a goal and an assist in his two games so far.
Balikwisha has made 14 appearances since his multi-million-pound move from Antwerp, with just three starts.