Celtic need direction if they are intent on emulating Ajax

AMID breathless talk of Celtic and Rangers having a right to believe they can emulate Champions League semi-finalists Ajax, it was the remarks of former Parkhead head of scouting David Moss that resonated most.

Neither produces their own players. Their signing strategies are scattergun. They both need to generate greater transfer income.

‘I was at Celtic seven years and don’t know what it stands for,’ said Moss. ‘The most successful clubs have a philosophy which drives their decision-making. Celtic need to appoint a director of football tomorrow.’

New structures are certainly essential to Celtic succeeding in UEFA competition long term. If a sporting director is planned, it would surely have to come before a final call on Neil Lennon’s job prospects as boss.

Celtic gave up on Europe under Brendan Rodgers. The coming weeks should indicate whether trying to compete there really matters now or not.