Postecoglou will ‘definitely’ bring in two more signings

CELTIC manager Ange Postecoglou is confident of landing two fresh faces this week — and insisted returning pair Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers will prove to be just like a couple of new signings as well.

Postecoglou insists there are two deals close to being signed off in the coming days, but insists that the £12.4million spent on Jota and Carter-Vickers was invested in the belief that they will be different players again from the men who did so much on loan from Benfica and Spurs to propel the club to a league and League Cup double last term.

‘I know people said we re-signed two players, but we signed two better players than we had last year,’ stated the Australian following yesterday’s 2-2 home friendly draw with Blackburn.

‘That’s why we brought them in.

‘There’s no ceiling to his (Jota’s) potential.

‘Attacking players, especially, rely on feeling fresh and their athleticism and speed.

‘At the moment, they’re turning into a bit of a blunt object until we get through this period.

‘Last year was probably the first season he’s had settled somewhere. Our job is to make sure we take him to the next level.’

Asked about new signings, Postecoglou replied: ‘We’re definitely going to add a couple of players. We’re working on that but would expect to do that in the next seven days.

‘Champions League on a weekly basis will add stress to the squad which is why I’m keen to bring in a couple more, to make sure we’re strong and robust.

‘Last year, it affected our ability to perform at a really high level.’

Sam Gallagher opened the scoring for Blackburn and the English Championship side snatched a draw through Ben Brereton Diaz after Jota and David Turnbull had scored for the home side.

Celtic right-back Tony Ralston was taken off with a foot injury after coming on as a half-time replacement for Josip Juranovic.

But Postecoglou insists the defender’s injury was not serious.

‘He’s got a bit of a cut on his foot — a couple of stitches, nothing too serious,’ he said.

Postecoglou confirmed Giorgos Giakoumakis was given time off as his wife is expecting a baby.

But the Celtic manager joked that even the imminence of a new arrival wouldn’t excuse his prolific Greek striker from pulling his weight.

‘We sent a personal trainer, so he’s not getting away with that,’ said Postecoglou.