Celtic have spent a grand total of zero pounds and zero pence when it comes to our January transfer signings, with just the loan moves for Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara to speak of.

It is now 28 January!

If the club somehow manages to land the three (at least) signings Martin O’Neill requires, then we’re about to witness a spectacular flurry of transfer activity in the coming days, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the heady Ange Postecoglou era.

Evidence of recent transfer windows, however, suggests that optimism would be misplaced.

What makes the inertia all the more baffling is just how obvious an opportunity this feels for the Celtic board to relieve at least some of the pressure that has engulfed them in recent months.

No one is pretending a handful of signings would magically solve all of Celtic’s problems – of which there are many – but there’s no underestimating the lift a major addition (or three) can give a bemused and frustrated fanbase.

The chance to begin correcting the mistakes of the failed Paul Tisdale appointment, the Wilfried Nancy gamble and a disastrous summer window is staring the club squarely in the face.

Their apparent reluctance to seize it is utterly inexplicable.

In just four league fixtures this January, Celtic have already dropped five points – and most gallingly, those came against our closest rivals Hearts and Rangers.

With the table this tight, those points may prove decisive and could be the difference between a fifth consecutive title for the club or an ignominious finale to O’Neill’s return.

With the countdown on to Monday’s (23:00 GMT) transfer deadline, the message to the Celtic board could not be clearer.

Redeem yourself, at least in part, by backing O’Neill accordingly and by giving him the best possible shot at league success.

Or, fail to do so, and deepen a rift between club and supporters that currently seems to be growing by the day.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange