Celtic need to get their act together before the window closes on Monday with positions still needing filled.
That is the view of Chris Sutton as he took a closer look at the squad following their glamour Champions League draw yesterday morning.
The Hoops landed German giants Bayern Munich in the elite competition and they will be a formidable opponent.
Jota has arrived in this window as Brendan Rodgers sought attackers but Sutton remains bewildered at Celtic‘s decision to allow Kyogo to leave in the middle of the season.
Without replacing him, especially.
Mathias Kvistgaarden is one name on the scout sheet while Slovan Bratislava’s David Strelec emerged as an option for Celtic overnight.
For Sutton it is vital that his old club get a new striker in the door before Monday’s deadline to avoid complacency in the Scottish Premiership and disappointment in the Champions League.
- READ MORE: Sondre Ørjasæter first Celtic transfer offer rejected as Hoops go low on £7m asking price
What Chris Sutton said about Celtic’s January moves
Writing in his Daily Record column, Sutton posed several questions to Rodgers and co.
He wrote: “Look, Celtic are in a great position right now. They have a commanding lead in the league and achieved their target of getting out of the Champions League league phase. It’s been a superb season – so far.
“Yet right now the squad looks a little thin and they must strengthen before the window shuts on Monday. Celtic cannot see out the second half of the season with just one recognisable striker and just a left back who is out of contract in the summer.
“I know they are miles ahead, but they must not take the Premiership title for granted.
“And they should not just put up the white flag in the Champions League – even if Bayern are a fairly daunting task.
“Signing Jota for around £6m looks a stunning piece of business but he’ll need time to get up to speed again after 18 months of struggling for game time. And there are other parts of the squad that need addressing. None more so than up front.
“I am still struggling to get my head around the decision to sell Kyogo at this stage. In fact, I can’t remember many occasions when Celtic – or Rangers for that matter – have sold such a key part of their side in the middle of a season.
“You can go back to the likes of Josip Juranovic, but they already had Alistair Johnston in the door when he departed.
“Kyogo was allowed to go before any replacement was secured – and now the board and recruitment team simply have to deliver. There’s been a lot of noise around Mathias Kvistgaarden and it does look like he’d fit the bill.
“But it’s a bit like Celtic and Kyogo, the other club has to be willing to sell. Kvistgaarden won’t come cheap either. It will be interesting to see how Celtic play it.”
Sutton picked another Celtic position that needs strengthened
Adam Idah hit a double vs Aston Villa in midweek to find his goal scoring boots again.
And Sutton was impressed by the Irishman.
But he did question the 23-year-old for previous form this term which has prevented him from hitting the same heights as last year during his loan stint.
The big Englishman also noted one other position where Celts must fill.
“Is Adam Idah going to be the main striker, with a new signing coming in to support him? Or will Brendan Rodgers want to go big and bring in someone he feels will lead the line?
“It’s a big question. Idah’s goals against Aston Villa will have done his confidence the world of good. He’s not exactly hit the heights of last season this term though and will Rodgers be able to hang his hat on him for the rest of the campaign?
“It remains to be seen. There’s youngster Daniel Cummings as well, after he got a taste of the first team at Villa Park. Rodgers also sent on Dane Murray and it looked to me like he was sending one of his subtle messages to the board again that he still needs a bit of help.
“Regardless, another striker is essential. A left back is also on the wish list if Arsenal are going to dig their heels in over Kieran Tierney. I wouldn’t give up hope on that one still happening in January as a lot can change in the final days of the window.
“There’s a lot of work to be done with that move but Celtic can’t hang about.
“They are a Grey Taylor hamstring strain away from having a major problem at left back.
“I don’t doubt for a minute Taylor will continue to give his all, but it’s only human nature to have half an eye on the future with his contract running down. It might even be a subconscious thing, but it’s a major risk being left with that situation.
“Contrary to what some fans think, the league is NOT done yet.
“Rangers, to their credit, have managed to reach the Europa League last 16 and are capable of finding some form in Scotland.”
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