Lawwell can make himself Rodgers’ Christmas No. 1
It doesn’t matter too much how Celtic did it.
It’s more important that they qualified for the Europa League’s knockout stages.
But if the Hoops have any ambition to go beyond the round of 32, they are going to need reinforcements.
It’s a point Brendan Rodgers has already made – and rightly so.
That’s because if Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday night are anything to go by, the quality of teams remaining is going to be very decent.
That’s without even considering the fact that Celtic could end up paired with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter or Napoli.
The truth is, Salzburg looked a better side than the Bhoys, right across the park.
So Brendan is going to need more if he wants to go further in Europe.
Moussa Dembele hasn’t been properly replaced, despite the money spent on Odsonne Eduoard.
Now, with Leigh Griffiths also out for the foreseeable future, I reckon Celtic could do with another striker – if not two. And if Filip Benkovic gets recalled by Leicester City, a central defender is going to be on the manager’s shopping list too.
That might not be music to Peter Lawwell’s ears.
But if he loosens the purse strings in time for the transfer window, he’ll make himself Brendan Rodgers’ Christmas No.1.