League: Champions League Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Celtic wants to retain Johnston and Engels ahead of play-off

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 8:23 AM

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

Celtic wants to retain Johnston and Engels ahead of play-off

Summary

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is looking to keep players Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels for the upcoming Champions League play-off against LASK. Both players started in the recent season opener, contributing to a 1-0 win over Dundee. O'Neill acknowledged the interest from West Ham in Engels and from Everton in Johnston but expressed hope the players could remain with the team. Celtic is set to play the first leg at home on 18 or 19 August, with the return leg the following week.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Celtic plays LASK in the Champions League play-off in mid-August.
•Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels are targets for other clubs.
•Celtic won their season opener against Dundee 1-0.
•O'Neill seeks to bolster the squad further this summer.

Latest Updates

8:23 AMYahoo Sports — Celtic boss O'Neill eager to keep Johnston & Engels for play-off

What they're saying

"
Martin O'Neill hopes Celtic can keep Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston for the Champions League play-off against Austrian champions LASK. West Ham are trying to sign 22-year-old Belgium midfielder Engels while Everton have targeted 27-year-old Canada full-back Johnston. Celtic will play at home in the first leg on 18/19 August, with the return game the following week.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Everton West Ham United Champions League Soccer