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Brendan Rodgers’ admission after the Motherwell game may have been aimed at the Celtic board with the January transfer window in mind.

Rodgers decided to make seven changes to the side which clinched the Betfred Cup on Sunday.

The gaffer said he ‘can’t rely on eleven players’ when defending his decision to ring the changes.

Rodgers told the BBC: “We’ve got a good squad who are well paid.

“Of course you don’t expect to be as fluent, but I would still expect us to be a lot better.”

The manager’s comments are no doubt aimed at the fringe players who failed to impress at Fir Park.

However, it’s possible Rodgers was pleading for help in the January transfer window. This is not the first time this season he has rung the changes and they have not delivered.

Celtic suffered defeats at Hearts and Kilmarnock with the manager making multiple changes to the side.

During Celtic’s recent resurgence in form, only really Scott Bain and Craig Gordon have switched in and out of the team.

Celtic’s consistency was stemming from the consistency in the starting XI. However, that was disrupted on Wednesday night.

With the January transfer window just over three weeks away, Celtic must get their house in order. The squad is badly needing reinforcements if Celtic are to fight on for another domestic treble.

If Celtic avoid defeat against Salzburg next week, they’ll be fighting on four fronts post-Christmas.

If the draw at Motherwell proved anything, it’s that there is serious need for improvements at Celtic.

Problem positions

As previously mentioned, Celtic need to strengthen in three key areas.

With Gamboa looking out of sorts against Motherwell, an argument for a new right-back has only been made stronger.

Celtic desperately need a third striker to help carry the load shared by Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard.

Moussa Dembele hasn’t been replaced yet and that should be top priority for Celtic in the winter window.

Rodgers’ admission may have been subtle. However, if he isn’t backed in January, his subtlety may end up following him out the door.