Chris Sutton baffled by Celtic stance on key position as he turns burning Rangers question onto Kris Boyd

Chris Sutton is baffled by the Celtic central defensive situation as he admitted “there are still question marks” for the champions under Brendan Rodgers.The former Parkhead striker delivered his half term Hoops report and what he believes should be their priority in the January transfer window. And the Englishman and Record Sport columnist is scratching this head over the fact Liam Scales, set to be rewarded for his standout displays with a new long term deal, has jumped ahead of summer signings.

Sutton and fellow Sky Sports pundit and former Old Firm rival Kris Boyd reviewed their pre-season predictions and quizzed each other with Boyd asking Sutton where Celtic need to strengthen to which he replied: “Left back,” before adding: “The centre-half position is baffling. What is going on there? Liam Scales has taken his opportunity but Celtic spent £7.5m on Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke and they look surplus to requirements. Bernardo’s been a pleasant surprise since he got a run of games. I wonder about the striking position and how that pans out. There’s a lot of talk about a wide player coming but Celtic have got a lot of wide players.

“There are still question marks for Celtic. Europe was a massive disappointment. They’ve shown inconsistency in the league. It’s difficult comparing this team to Ange Postecoglou’s team. That team was fast and furious and this season has been a struggle at times. Brendan has talked about bringing a better quality of player in but he also talked at the start of the season about understanding the model. January is really one to watch out for with Celtic. Are they going to go for experienced players who are going to cost a hell of a lot of monet.

Sutton then said of rivals Rangers and the arrival of Philippe Clement: “(He) has come in and I’ve got to say I do think he’s done a pretty incredible job up to now,” before Boyd said: “I just get the feeling that Rangers need someone to get a grip of that central position. We saw it with Cyriel Dessers against Celtic, who was really poor. Is Fabio Silva that man? I’m not sure. Danilo’s obviously out injured. Do Rangers need to get a proven goalscorer? If it was me, I would.”

Boyd was quizzed by his colleague on whether Lawrence Shankland would be that man, with the Ibrox side heavily linked with the Hearts hotshot. Boyd said: “We’re quite quick to dismiss players in this league. He’s been over the course and distance in this league. He’s still scoring goals. I wouldn’t be against it. When you look at the money Rangers spent in the summer, would you have got more for your money if you’d bought Shankland? I think you would have. Danilo looked OK but [Sam] Lammers can’t even get on the pitch. There’s been a bit of wasted money. Would Hearts want to sell? I’m not too sure.”

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