Brendan Rodgers is Celtic transfer yes man but he will cope with Rangers cloggers as Hotline split on champions

There was a classic case of glasses half full versus half empty on the Hotline this morning as the views of buoyed-up Bhoys were balanced off by pessimistic Parkhead punters.

Celtic will be favourites to retain their crown again this season but while some Hoops fans can’t see past another title procession from the champions, others aren’t quite so confident. Presenting the optimists’ view was Arrin Geddes, Irvine, who said: “Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic team was always lacking a bit of physicality and that contributed to Rangers winning the dead rubber fourth league derby game last season. But it looks as if that might be being addressed by Brendan Rodgers. We all know Mick Beale’s team are going to try and kick and bully teams off the park but this season’s Celtic team might have a wee bit more steel. Can’t wait!”

David Bryce, Troon, however, has a bleaker outlook as he said: “Brendan Rodgers appears to be a yes man to the board. There is no way the players brought in thus far have been his signings. Bar Maik Nawrocki, none are first-team ready. We are stockpiling players and there is a severe lack of quality in the squad. I am absolutely dreading the Champions League campaign. Once again the Celtic board are shopping in the bargain basement. It is totally unacceptable!”

Across the city, it’s a similar situation with resolute Rangers fan Alan Flett emailing in: “I never read too much into pre-season, but from now on there can no excuses from Michael Beale. He’s got all of the players that he wanted and Celtic are there for the taking. Just go and win the League!”

But Gordon Hendry, Ochiltree, grumbled: “As a Rangers fan I can't believe Michael Beale wants to ditch Fashion Sakala in favour of Abdallah Sima who so far looks