NEIL LENNON has insisted that Celtic are prepared to "push the boat out" to strengthen the side after the disappointment of a Champions League defeat by Ajax.
The Celtic manager, who has watched his side fail to score in three of four Champions League group matches, is keen to bolster attacking options but was briskly honest about the club's recruitment policy.
"There is money available," he admitted. However, he went on to concede: "I think we will spend money. But I think we will sell too." Fraser Forster, the Celtic goalkeeper, was the subject of intense transfer speculation in the last window and his value has increased on the back of impressive Champions League performances. Lennon is aware that the recruitment of a top-class striker is difficult for Celtic.
"That is where the big bucks are," he said. "That is where players cost money. Again, we will try to be inventive on that. I do not know how much money we will have again in January but Peter [Lawwell, the chief executive] has given us assurances that there will be money to spend. Whether we can spend it and get the right player in that we want is another thing."
However, he said: "If we do break the wage structure it will not be by a great deal but if we are trying to bring a type of player in we might have to push the boat out a little, but we do not want to push it out too much. We are realistic with our wage structure."
He added: "I think we will spend money. But I think we will sell too. That is the way the strategy has to work and that is the environment we are in. I am aware of that and I am comfortable with that and I am not frustrated by it."
He was angry, though, at the scheduling of the league match against Ross County today. Celtic face the trip north for an early afternoon kick-off. "It's ridiculous," he said. "I'm really angry about it. I just don't think it's fair. We have had a really tough game on Wednesday night."
He said of the fan trouble in Amsterdam: "It is very disappointing. If any fans have been seen to cause trouble and they're season ticket holders or members then the club will take appropriate action.
"However, I do feel that Ajax have a culture [of trouble] and we saw a bit of it at Celtic Park. Manchester City and Manchester United have had problems there as well in recent years. I don't think it is our issue, I think it is more their issue."
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