Chris Sutton warns Celtic ‘screwed’ without January signings
Celtic have been warned they could fall out of the title race unless they sign three or four players before the January window shuts.
Chris Sutton has warned that Celtic risk losing their grip on the title race if they do not move quickly to add “three or four” new signings before the January transfer window closes.
Speaking after the 2-2 draw away to Hearts, the former Celtic striker said the team were “absolutely mauled in midfield” at Tynecastle and argued that Martin O’Neill is trying to “firefight” with a squad that lacks depth in key areas.
Sutton told The Warm-Up:
“If Celtic don’t sign some players (could be a two-horse race between Hearts and Rangers). I genuinely think that’s how it will be decided.”
“And for Celtic, I don’t think the point is the worst point for them, but the manner of the way that Hearts ran all over them, that is going to be Martin O’Neill’s concern. So if Celtic don’t get three or four bodies in, I think they’re screwed.”
Chris Sutton warns Celtic ‘screwed’ without January signings
“Do you know what? Yesterday, I thought they got absolutely mauled in midfield. I thought Engels struggled. I know Nygren got the goal, but I thought he struggled as well.”
“And I think that would be a concern. So I think you’re looking at midfield, you’re looking at another striker, and a wide player. I’ve got to say, Schmeichel, for all the criticism he’s had — and I’ve been one to criticise him — I thought he made a couple of really important saves and kept them in it.”
“With the greatest will in the world, I don’t think Dane Murray is the answer to Martin’s issue at centre-back if he gets any more injuries. So look, I think Martin, behind the scenes, will have been working tirelessly to bring players in.”
His assessment echoed what many supporters felt they had just watched. Celtic started well and took the lead, but once Hearts grew in belief, the home side took control of long spells, especially in the middle of the pitch. Even before the red card for Auston Trusty, Hearts were winning battles, forcing mistakes, and keeping Celtic pinned back.
