I don't know what David Turnbull's Celtic celebration was about but backup brigade need to get their fingers out - Chris Sutton

I didn't quite understand David Turnbull’s fingers in the ears celebration against St Mirren the other night. But what I do know is Celtic’s fringe men need to worry less about the noise and do their talking on the pitch.

Brendan Rodgers has set them a challenge – and given them a deadline. He hinted this week he is going to clear the decks somewhat in January as he feels his squad is too big. I would also suggest that while he has plenty of numbers, he’s lacking in strength in depth. You only have to go back 12 months and look at the Celtic squad. It was arguably stronger.

This time last year, Ange Postecoglou could have fielded a team that included Jota, Aaron Mooy, Josip Juranovic, Carl Starfelt, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Sead Haksabanovic. They have all left but then you chuck in the injured Reo Hatate and Liel Abada – plus Cameron Carter-Vickers, who was left out the other night – and that’s nearly an entire starting 11.

There were times when Postecoglou could make four or five subs and it would actually strengthen the side. At the moment I get the sense Rodgers is making changes in games and hoping the replacements make an impact rather than expecting it.

The summer signings and the guys on the fringes will need to step up in the next few weeks, because if the Celtic squad think it’s been hectic up until now, they haven’t seen anything yet. Celtic have played 15 games so far this season. They’ve got another 14 to go until the winter break in less than two months.

I don’t want to hear any excuses about being tired. This is a vital part of the season and there’s no room for whinging. The same goes about game time. These fringe players will get opportunities in the coming weeks and it’s up for them to grab them.

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