And although O'Neill has angrily rejected Bradford chairman Geoffrey Richmond's suggestions that a swap deal involving Celtic striker Tommy Johnson is on the cards, he does see Collymore as a possible new recruit.

He said: "There are certain people who come into a short-term category, and I know Stan has said he'd love to join me.

"Handling players is my job - it's not a major concern. If I felt a short-term deal was the answer I'd do it. I might want to fill a couple of spots until the end of the season."

O'Neill also confirmed Brazilian defender Rafael Scheidt, who was bought for £5million by John Barnes, has no Parkhead future.

O'Neill packed him off to his homeland in a year-long loan deal with Corinthians, where he is now in the reserves.

The Hoops manager said: "Rafael knows the situation here and realises he would need to do an awful lot to get back in the side.

"Coming here was a massive culture shock for him. I think he really wanted to go home."

Meanwhile, Barnes - who was sacked a year ago when Celtic were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle - has hinted that racism was a factor in his downfall.

Barnes was a guest at the launch of Kick It Out, an anti-racism campaign set up by the Professional Footballers Association in England.

When asked whether there had been prejudice within the club towards him he replied: "It is difficult to know exactly who thought what but we all have prejudices.

"That is human nature but I think it was very difficult for me to be accepted at Celtic."