Celtic boss Martin O’Neill provides Haissem Hassan update before Dundee United tie

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill says new signing Haissem Hassan will travel with the squad for Saturday’s Scottish League Cup meeting with Dundee United, but the winger’s fitness will determine whether he starts.

Hassan joined Celtic from Spanish club Real Oviedo on a permanent deal after impressing for Egypt at the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Scottish champions, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2030.

O’Neill said Hassan had not trained with Real Oviedo since returning from the World Cup and had instead worked with a personal coach before arriving in Scotland.

“Haissem Hassan had a rest after the World Cup and then he did not train with Real Oviedo; he trained with a private coach, which is completely different,” O’Neill told Celtic’s official website.

“He joined training for the first time a few days ago. We will see how he is, taking into account his fitness, or the fact that it may not be complete. But he will come with us and we will see.”

O’Neill added: “I don’t know whether he will start the game or not. I have no problem testing something before Wednesday’s game, but we will see.”

Celtic face Dundee United in the second round of the Scottish League Cup at 19:45 BST on Saturday.

The match comes four days before Celtic begin their UEFA Champions League play-off against Austrian side LASK, with the first leg scheduled for next Wednesday. Celtic are hoping Hassan will be included in their squad for that tie.

The winner of the play-off will reach the league phase of the Champions League.

Celtic have made a perfect start to the new Scottish Premiership season, collecting six points from their opening two matches and sitting at the top of the table.

Sky Sports previously reported that Celtic paid about £6m for Hassan, with a further £3m available in potential add-ons.

Hassan helped Real Oviedo secure promotion to La Liga, although the club were relegated back to the Spanish second tier after just one season in the top flight. He made 38 appearances for Oviedo last season, providing three assists without scoring.

His performances earned him a place in Egypt’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he appeared in two matches. Hassan set up a goal against Argentina and was also involved in another goal that was ruled out after a video assistant referee review.