Celtic fans are seeking me out to air transfer suspicions and I reckon they might need a Rangers favour – Hugh Keevins

Fifty days have passed since the Scottish Cup Final ended in defeat for Rangers and Joe Hart bid an emotional farewell to the Celtic fans in the midst of their celebrations at Hampden.

Tomorrow or next day, or maybe even the one after that – because this is Celtic we’re talking about – Kasper Schmeichel is expected to sign for Brendan Rodgers’ side on a free transfer from Anderlecht. At this laboured rate of player recruitment, the summer transfer window will close and Celtic fans will need to wait until January before welcoming the next new arrival. One signing every 50-odd days will require the patience of saints.

Supporters can take consolation in the fact that Schmeichel will get here before that shipment of steel for Ibrox that Rangers are expecting. But, in the meantime, if Celtic decide to accept a monumental offer from Atalanta, or anybody else, for Matt O’Riley before actually buying somebody for themselves, they might need to ask Rangers for the name of their construction contact in Asia. Because the roof will have been blown off the stand at Celtic Park by disillusioned customers.

Last week, I tried to offer the glowing example of Henrik Larsson’s arrival as absolute proof of how good things come to those who wait. This week, I was recalling to mind how Celtic were strung along for ages by Eddie Howe before he turned down the manager’s job. That prompted the arrival of the little-known Ange Postecoglou – and we all know how that turned out. But I’m now getting the distinct impression I’m preaching to people who are unwilling to be converted.

One radio caller proved to me the usual suspects were being rounded up concerning the growing dismay over Celtic’s lack of new faces. The listener’s suspicion was that