‘Inability to even compete with any real credibility on the continent is galling’

Domestic dominance, mixed with European mediocrity.

That’s been the report card across most of Celtic’s seasons in the last decade, and as it stands we’re bang on track to repeat the pattern in the 2024-25 campaign.

So while the 4-0 win over Kilmarnock has laid down an early marker to our Scottish Premiership rivals, our lack of investment to date in key areas of the squad will hardly have our Champions League opponents quaking in their boots.

As winners of the title in twelve of the last thirteen seasons, I’m aware of just how entitled such a statement sounds, but I stand by it, as every fan is entitled to expect the very best from their club – whatever that looks like – so long as it’s done within their means.

With whatever resources available – and we have substantial resources at this time – all football clubs should look to strengthen their side across any given transfer window, whether that’s Real Madrid, Ross County or Raith Rovers.

Celtic are no different.

With just a few exceptions Celtic have shown themselves to be the strongest team in Scotland by some distance since the turn of the century.

The opposite applies however when we step into the very different environment of European Football.

It’s been a long time since we beat Barcelona or found ourselves in the Champions League last 16.

And whilst no-one seriously expects us to threaten the European elite, it’s our inability to even compete with any real credibility on the continent which is the most galling of all.

The club, of course, have at least another three weeks to bolster Brendan Rodger’s squad accordingly – and heshould be given the opportunity to do so – but fans are growing increasingly anxious as the days and weeks pass by.

That tension seems to have reached fever pitch in recent days, with the manager himself referencing the “negative and toxic energy” around transfers at this time.

By contrast, Rodgers himself seems fairly relaxed about the whole thing – at least on the surface – and that in itself should give some confidence that the right moves will be made in the market.

The early signs are there that the current group of players are responding extremely well to his methods, and this was reflected at the weekend as well as in the impressive pre-season tour of the US.

Just think what he could really do with some high quality first team ready signings.

We, as always, wait in hope.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange