Celtic transfer business comes under Hotline fire as fears arise of history repeating itself with with Brendan Rodgers

Pre-season friendlies meaningless? Try telling that to Hotline callers. The reaction to Celtic’s 6-4 defeat to Yokohama F Marinos this week has bordered on hysterical with the memory of last season’s Treble evaporating quicker than spilt Sake in the Osaka sunshine.

The Hoops face Gamba Osaka on Saturday while Rangers take on Hamburg at Ibrox three days after losing 2-1 to Newcastle in Allan McGregor’s testimonial. And Steve McSherry, Uddingston, said: “I have to admit that I’m becoming concerned about the lack of top quality players coming in the door at Celtic. While I understand it takes time to get top players and anyone can fill their side with cheap replacements,

"I’d like to see a few known faces coming in. We are well equipped to easily win the league, however, it’s for Europe we will need to strengthen.” David Bryce, Troon, added: “Celtic’s signings have been woeful thus far. The squad looks really poor. The lack of ambition has returned to the club. I think Rodgers will be away by Christmas as he is simply unable to buy his own players.”

George McCallum emailed: “Celtic should sign a centre half or two for cover in case injury sidelined Cameron Carter-Vickers. Why not add the young protagonist Xavier Mbuyamba? It would certainly be good business as, if the vibes are to believed, he could be prospect of the future like Virgil Van Dijk.”

However, Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “I can’t believe how many people get upset or excited about pre-season friendly results. They’re just training sessions in public. While you don’t want to lose six goals it’s what can happen with your team being thrown together then making 10 changes at half time! Celtic fans calm down, it’ll be alright on the night. Rangers fans enjoy our