Celtic continue to reshape squad ahead of transfer deadline with three signings

Celtic completed three loan signings before the visit of Aberdeen and included two of Wednesday’s arrivals in their squad for the William Hill Premiership clash.

Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone joined from Wolves and 18-year-old Chelsea pair Shim Mheuka and Landon Emenalo also arrived on season-long deals.

Johnstone and striker Mheuka were named on the bench while left-back Emenalo’s signing was confirmed about 90 minutes before kick-off.

Johnstone, 33, has played more than 350 league games for the likes of Aston Villa, West Brom and Crystal Palace and made 17 appearances for Wolves last season.

The former Manchester United youth player told Celtic’s website: “I didn’t need convincing by anyone, but Joe Hart rang me the other day just to reiterate what a place this is, what a great group of lads and how the fans are unbelievable.

“Like I said, I didn’t need convincing, but for someone like that to ring me up and reiterate again the size of the club and what it means to people, it just made me so excited to get here and get started.”

Mheuka told the Celtic website: “Walking in, I could feel the echo and the surround sound of the stadium. You almost feel the history as you walk in.

“It’s a real feeling. I wish everyone could feel it, an amazing feeling and I’m so, so happy to be here.

“This is something that I’ve been doing since I was a little kid. And to be able to do it in front of the Celts, the fans and show my ability in front of them, it’s something that I can’t wait to do. It’s almost a feeling of excitement rather than nerves.”

The Hoops also had Danish midfielder Oliver Sorensen on the bench after signing the 24-year-old on loan from Parma with an option to buy on Tuesday.

The Scottish champions doubled their summer signing tally within 24 hours and were still in the market ahead of the UEFA registration deadline of 11pm on Wednesday. Premiership clubs have until 5pm on Thursday to complete transfers.

Celtic freed up further space in their squad with the permanent departures of Johnny Kenny and Reo Hatate to Preston and Burnley respectively.

Celtic are also expected to complete deals for 19-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joel van den Berg, who was present at Celtic Park on Wednesday in a club tracksuit, and Feyenoord right-back Jordan Lotomba.

It remains to be seen if a deal can be struck for Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, with the 22-year-old Lithuania international having been a long-term target for the Scottish champions.

Manager Martin O’Neill told BBC Radio Scotland ahead of the game: “Every minute that goes past it’s more awkward but we haven’t stopped at this minute and we will see if anything else can develop.”