Kenny Dalglish predicts Celtic VIP transfer statement as he gets real with Rangers over title chances

Impressed Kenny Dalglish has been buoyed by Celtic's ability to keep hold of Kyogo and senses the champions will double down with signings that capture the imagination.

The Parkhead icon has been a vocal backer of Brendan Rodgers and loves the Irishman has been able to tie down the club's star man to a long-term deal – alongside valuable team-mate Daizen Maeda. And the 72-year-old views the double delight as the perfect pre-cursor for eye-catching arrivals to join the Treble winners ahead of their return to the Champions League top table.

Dalglish – speaking in his Sunday Post column – said: "I'd expect new faces to arrive that are guys Brendan has had his eye on. And with the Hoops in such a strong financial position there could well be a signing or two which really catches the imagination. Some players who are given the chance to sign for Celtic might think twice as the competition to get into the team is so strong. But the ones that have belief and would back themselves in a challenge, will go to Parkhead. That's the kind of guys that want to have in the dressing room and on the park. That's the type Brendan will be going for. He'll want players with the attitude and quality of Kyogo."

Dalglish has also been impressed with what Michael Beale is producing across the city with six new faces to work with and designs on reversing a trophyless season while going "hell for leather" and joining their rivals in European football's richest competition for a second consecutive season.

And the Liverpool hero reckons Rangers must be honest over the difficulty facing them in trying to dethrone the dominant force in Scottish football. He added: "He (Beale) will also be aware that they will have to produce something very special