Celtic signings need ‘personality’, says manager Wilfried Nancy

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy says any new signings must be the right type of person as well as having the requisite quality.

After a difficult start to his tenure at Parkhead, Nancy has the opportunity to bolster his squad when the January transfer window opens.

The former Columbus Crew head coach believes signing players who can handle the pressure of playing for Celtic will be “key” to the club’s recruitment.

“We have a lot of ability in terms of the way we play,” said Nancy ahead of Saturday’s trip to face William Hill Premiership bottom club Livingston.

“It is important that when you sign players, they need to have personality. This is a big club. To play here is not always easy. It is so, so important to have players who can play here at a club like this.”

Nancy pointed to Scotland defender Kieran Tierney and captain Callum McGregor as examples of the type of player he wants to build around.

“Everybody knows Kieran,” he said. “I knew him before I came here. He’s an important player for us. There are different kinds of personalities. Kieran is not a vocal leader but shows on the pitch.

“Callum also shows on the pitch but he’s a vocal leader too. We have other players like this.

“When I talk about personalities, it’s not only to be vocal, it’s to have the right attitude when it is difficult.

“This means when we attack, can we keep showing ourselves for each other, can we still press, or can we defend like crazy in the moment? It’s more about the attitude for me. This is what I am looking for.”