Celtic manager Martin O’Neill says he is eager to keep midfielder Arne Engels and defender Alistair Johnston available for the club’s Champions League play-off against Austrian side LASK. The two players are reported to be drawing interest from other clubs: West Ham are trying to sign Engels, a 22-year-old Belgium international, while Everton have been linked with Johnston, a 27-year-old Canada full-back. O’Neill’s comments indicate Celtic is trying to retain the pair during the run-up to the qualifiers. The play-off ties are scheduled for later this month, with the first leg at Celtic’s home ground on 18 or 19 August and the return match taking place the following week. The reports collectively frame the situation as a timing and squad-planning issue, with transfer interest developing while Celtic prepares for the qualifying round. Both outlets agree on the opponents, the involvement of Engels and Johnston, and the two-leg schedule.