Celts are going backwards... Rangers have the momentum
SAYS GORDON STRACHAN
GORDON STRACHAN insists Celtic need to fast forward their January recruitment drive as the Parkhead men have gone backwards this season.
The former Hoops boss was shocked as the champions let Rangers back in to the Premiership title race in last weekend’s Old Firm defeat at Ibrox.
And Gers’ signing of Jermain Defoe puts the Celtic board under the spotlight even more although Strachan reckons he’ll struggle to start games.
Strach is convinced his old club need to add muscle up front as well as new stars to help out key men – such as Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor and James Forrest – who have been carrying the side.
Celts are chasing PSG hitkid Timothy Weah, Dunajska Streda hitman Vakoun Issouf Bayo, with West Brom’s Oliver Burke and Atalana’s Timothy Castagne also on the wishlist.
Strachan sees a Celtic side in decline and claims boss Brendan Rodgers will need to tool up to fend off a Rangers title tilt.
He said: “Celtic have gone backwards compared to their standards of the last two years and it puts the impetus on their business this window.
“A month ago, it wouldn’t have been so important to get bodies in because they looked comfortable and were playing well.
“Now, if they don’t sign a striker with a physical presence, they give more momentum to Rangers.
“It was an eye-opening experience and it bothered me how much Celtic were over-powered.
“Moussa Dembele went and they were without Tom Rogic, Kieran Tierney and Odsonne Edouard for the game too. They’ve lost a lot of power in the team.
“When you look at their front six, it’s technically gifted but a bit lightweight, especially if Scott Brown’s out.
“Playing Callum McGregor at left back meant they missed him in midfield and in wide positions – that’s one of Scotland’s best players over the last two years.
“Players like Forrest, Tierney, and McGregor. They’ve played well but need someone else to take over for a bit.”
Strachan has no doubts Defoe can be a gamechanger in Glasgow but the 36-year-old striker will still have his work cut out to edge out the main man up front at Ibrox.
Strachan said: “Defoe is a top player, even at his age. But will he be happy playing second fiddle to Alfredo Morelos? If so, he’s perfect for that – coming on and getting you a goal.
“I’m not so sure if Steven has to change his style of play and go with two strikers though.
“Morelos will stay for the rest of the season. You saw him celebrating at the end of the match, they’ve got the sniff of something. It is now a genuine title race.”
Gordon Strachan was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power News. To read more, visit news. paddypower.com