CHRIS SUTTON is urging Celtic to get cracking in the transfer market as the new season looms.
The champions will kick off the 2024/25 Premiership campaign on Flag Day against Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Sunday August 4.
Before that, Brendan Rodgers will take his squad to the USA on July 20 for a whirlwind three games-in-a-week schedule as they take on DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
LAST HURRAH…an emotional Joe Hart after his final game for Celtic in the Scottish Cup triumph at Hampden last month.
The Hoops boss insists he will be strengthening his player pool and former goal hero Sutton believes the manager has three positions to look at – goalkeeper, midfield and striker.
The one-time England international forward said: “There’s still a lot of work for Celtic to do over the summer, but Brendan Rodgers will feel he’s got his feet under the table again and feel like he’s in a stronger position than he was last season.
“He needs a goalkeeper, Joe Hart was brilliant for three seasons and he will be a big miss and big gloves to fill.
“That centre- forward position, as well. Adam Idah came in January and really did well.
“I’d be surprised if they weren’t trying to do a deal, but Norwich City with their new manager will want to keep him.”
STRIKING SUCCESS…Adam Idah slams the Scottish Cup winner past Ibrox keeper Jack Butland.
Sutton, speaking to Sky Sports, added: “They certainly need to strengthen in that centre-forward position and hold onto Matt O’Riley, as well.
“If they want to do well in Europe next season they have to hold onto their best players.
“I always think Celtic should do their business early in the transfer window, they dawdled last summer and I just wonder why there is a delay in this transfer window.”
The club’s only business so far in the market has been to sell Montenegro international winger Sead Haksabanovic to Sweden’s Malmo for an undisclosed fee likely to be in the region of £2.2million which was the reported price quoted to Stoke City during the player’s season-long loan.
