The Egyptian arrived from Real Oviedo for an initial £6 million fee in the summer but has yet to consistently deliver the goals and assists expected of him.

However, O’Neill believes Hassan’s numbers do not tell the whole story and insists the 24-year-old should already have more assists to his name after Celtic failed to make the most of some of the chances he has created.

Hassan caught the eye after coming off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Dundee United, showing his ability to attack defenders on either side.

O’Neill said: “I thought he did really well because he has got the ability to cut inside, and he got a shot off, a strong shot that made a really good save.

“He can go on the outside, and strangely enough now he’s on his weaker foot, which would be his right foot, but he’s able to make decent crosses coming in.

“And personally speaking, I honestly think that he would have had, if we had taken advantage of some of the stuff that he has done, more assists than he’s had. That's my genuine view.

“He is definitely one that's taking time to settle in, of course, and like all players with flair, you have to put up with some of the things that they don't do so well.”

O’Neill admits Hassan is still adjusting to life in Glasgow, with the language barrier another challenge for the winger.

But the Celtic boss is determined to get more out of Hassan and believes the responsibility also lies with those around him to give the winger more options when he gets into dangerous positions.

He added: “His English is not great at the moment, and I think he's just genuinely come to terms with Glasgow life, and come to terms with the way that we see him in the side.

“When he steps inside, he should be able to see, hopefully, more alternatives than just whipping something in, for somebody to show up on the edge of the penalty box, stuff like that. But that's not his problem, that's our problem.”

And O’Neill made it clear he is prepared to accept some of the imperfections that come with attacking players if they can produce match-winning moments.

“What I want is flair players. They win matches for you,” he said.

“The less they have to defend, the more energy they will have to go forward with. But at times, they will have to do that, and that applies to Camilo Duran, to Hassan, to little Ozzy [Callum Osmand] and even the centre forward.”