January deals can help our title push, says Celtic star Hartley

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The Parkhead midfielder has been heartened by the names being connected to the club ahead of the signing window opening tomorrow.

Andreas Hinkel is set to finalise his move from Sevilla, while Celtic have been pursuing Everton star James McFadden and Brazilian full-back Coelho.

Dundee United's Barry Robson was also linked with a £1.25million move to the SPL champions in reports yesterday, but Tannadice chairman Eddie Thompson has warned that the 29-year-old midfielder will not be sold cheaply.

Hartley was drafted in last January to bolster Celtic and feels a similar process is now essential as the title race prepares to intensify with Wednesday's Old Firm game.

"I think it's always important for any squad that sometimes you bring fresh faces in," said Hartley. "It makes the competition much stronger. We have been linked with a lot of players and we will probably bring in one or two. It's always good to have new faces in the team. At this time of the season, when you are going to pick up injuries and suspensions, you need to have a depth to your squad."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan declined to comment on the Hinkel deal after Saturday's 3-0 victory over Gretna, but admitted it was unlikely he would draft in any new additions against Rangers.

"All will be revealed during January," said Strachan. "It's ongoing with some targets. We're getting down the line with some of them and we'll be a stronger squad if they come off. But things can break down at the last minute - which has been proved in many a transfer.

"I wouldn't think we would have anyone new available for Wednesday."

Hartley was only introduced as a second-half substitute against Gretna, but it's expected he will start the keenly-awaited visit of Walter Smith's men.

The Scotland player always expected a close contest for honours this season, yet remains confident Celtic can prevail.

"In the last couple of seasons, we have won the league by a certain number of points," said Hartley. "This year, we always knew it was going to be much closer than that. When Walter Smith came in, he made Rangers very hard to beat, then he brought in some physical players and some very good players in the summer.

"They will be very determined to snatch the title away from us. We just need to be prepared. We know we have a very good squad, so hopefully we can get a good result on Wednesday - although I don't think it will decide the title."