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TEAM OF THE WEEK

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CRAIG FOWLER FROM A VIEW FROM THE TERRACE NAMES HIS WILLIAM HILL SPFL XI… GK – Max Thompson (Ayr United) The loanee from Newcastle United impressed on his debut as Scott Brown’s Ayr United defeated Raith Rovers at Somerset Park by two goals to one. DEF – Julián Araujo (Celtic) The full-back was a clear choice for man-of-the-match as Celtic displayed their ruthlessness to defeat Falkirk 2-0 at Celtic Park on Sunday and stay within six points of Hearts at the top of the William Hill Premiership. DEF – Charlie McArthur (Airdrieonians) The 20-year-old put in a terrific performance at the back as Airdrie got themselves a huge three points in the second-tier relegation dogfight, winning 2-0 at Dunfermline Athletic. DEF – Ethan Schilte-Brown (Kilmarnock) Another young centre-back putting in a big performance for a relegation-threatened side, Schilte-Brown, along with centre-back partner Robbie Deas, was dominant and Killie got their first victory since October with a 3-0 triumph over Aberdeen at Rugby Park. DEF – Zak Delaney (Greenock Morton) After seven games without a win in all competitions, Greenock Morton got back to winning ways on Saturday, defeating Ross County 2-1. Delaney was a clear choice for the home side’s man-of-the-match. MID – Seb Drozd (Queen’s Park) The midfielder has been the Spiders’ best player in recent weeks and he continued that form with another top performance and the winning goal in Queen’s 2-1 win over Arbroath. MID – Innes Lawson (Edinburgh City) City got themselves a huge three points in the fight to avoid the play-offs at the bottom of William Hill League Two, defeating Dumbarton – the side immediately above them at the foot of the table – thanks to a double from Lawson in a 2-1 victory. MID – Jack MacIver (Elgin City) MacIver got on the scoresheet twice but it wasn’t enough to earn Elgin City all three points as they were pegged back on three occasions by league-leaders Spartans, drawing 3-3. FWD – Tawanda Maswanishe (Motherwell) The leading goalscorer in the William Hill Premiership took his tally to 13 for the season with a double in Motherwell’s 2-0 victory at Livingston. FWD – Taylor Sutherland (Montrose) This week’s Star Man bagged a hat-trick as he put Montrose in front on three occasions away to East Fife as Stewart Petrie’s men returned to winning ways in William Hill League One, defeating East Fife 3-2 at New Bayview. FWD – Pierre Landry Kabore (Heart of Midlothian) Hearts finish the weekend six points clear at the top of the table after defeating Dundee United 3-0 on Saturday night. Kabore bagged a double during the match and impressed with his hold-up play for the Jambos.

Celtic Scottish Premiership Transfers

Celtic Reject Improved £17m Nottingham Forest Bid for Arne Engels as Martin O’Neill Sets ‘£100m’ Price Tag

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CELTIC have officially knocked back a second, improved offer from Nottingham Forest for Belgian midfielder Arne Engels as the January transfer window enters its final hours. The Premier League side returned with a bid of approximately £17.3 million (€20m) on Monday morning, following the rejection of an initial £14 million proposal on Sunday. However, the Parkhead board has stood firm, mirroring the defiant stance of interim manager Martin O’Neill. Engels, who joined the Hoops for a club-record £11 million from Augsburg in August 2024, has become a vital cog in the Celtic machine, making nearly 90 appearances and securing a domestic double in his debut season. Despite the lure of a healthy profit, Celtic appear determined to keep their prize asset for the run-in. “I’d Want it Rebuffed” Speaking after Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Falkirk on Sunday—where goals from Tomas Cvancara and Benjamin Nygren secured the points—O’Neill was unequivocal about the player’s value to his squad. “Honestly, I am telling you, I didn’t know anything about it,” O’Neill said regarding the initial Forest interest. “If they have [bid], then they must have done it during the game. And I would want it rebuffed, unless it was £100m.” The veteran manager, currently in his second interim spell following the recent departure of Wilfried Nancy, added: “Then I think the board would step in there. No, absolutely, I would rather keep him.” Title Race and European Ambitions The decision to retain Engels comes at a critical juncture. Celtic currently sit six points behind leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and have a massive Europa League play-off tie against VfB Stuttgart looming this month. Losing a key midfield presence like the 22-year-old Belgian international would be a significant blow to O’Neill’s hopes of chasing down the Jambos. While Forest, currently 17th in the Premier League under Sean Dyche, may yet test Celtic’s resolve with a third offer before the 11 PM deadline, the message from Glasgow is clear: Engels is not for sale. Incomings on the Horizon While slamming the door on departures, O’Neill confirmed that Celtic are working hard on their own recruitment. The Hoops are reportedly closing in on loan deals for Freiburg striker Junior Adamu and Lorient winger Joel Mvuka to bolster an attack that has been “running on empty” according to the manager. Celtic fans—is the board right to hold out for more, or should we have cashed in on Engels to fund a deadline day spending spree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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