‘Celtic would be putting up Defoe statue at Parkhead’
to be going for it. They’ve laid down a marker to Celtic,” said Sutton. “The defeat to Rangers may, just may, not be the worst thing to have happened to them. Celtic will now realise where they are, that they need improvements and needed to bring these players in.
“Brendan may say he always planned to bring them in. But that defeat may have quickened up the thought process.
“I know some Celtic fans have said he is getting on a bit, but if Defoe had signed for Celtic I think they would be putting up a statue to him outside Celtic Park.
“He has been there, done it and can finish, and you know what you are going to get. He looks after himself exceptionally well and he is a talented striker.
“You feel they will both fit in pretty seamlessly whereas the Celtic signings, we will all be looking at them and wondering if they are going to hit the ground running.”
While Sutton expects the experience of the two veterans will inspire Rangers in what he believes is a genuine title race, he also anticipates Scotland internationalist Burke will have a point to prove at Celtic.
The 21-year-old’s career has stalled
after two big-money moves totalling £28m. But, having struggled for game time with Championship side West Brom, Burke is looking to reignite his career under Rodgers.
Still, though, Sutton has insisted it is too early to make a call on whether the trio that have so far arrived at Celtic are capable of injecting new life into what has been a staccato campaign to date. And, with defensive departures anticipated, Sutton also expects there will be further options explored before the current window closes at the end of the month.
“He [Burke] moved to Leipzig and people thought he was going to be the next big star,” said Sutton. “So he has come into this a little bit raw, but he seems to be quite explosive in terms of his pace.
“But the jury is out with the Celtic signings. We can’t sit here and say they are the finished article because they clearly aren’t, but Celtic must have seen something in these players.
“I still think Celtic have business to do in the window. I can’t see Dedryck Boyata signing. Filip Benkovic has been pretty decent but it is a
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