Replacing Matt O'Riley is 'nigh on impossible' as Sutton and Boyd agree on Celtic transfer necessity

Chris Sutton has conceded that Celtic will find it 'nigh on impossible' to replace Matt O'Riley.

The midfielder is not part of the travelling group in Paisley as he finalises a Scottish record transfer fee to Brighton. It's been a long-running transfer saga for the Hoops' fan favourite but with just days left in the window he is set to net his club side a massive windfall - and leave Brendan Rodgers with a 'problem' due to the timing of the departure.

Record Sport columnist Sutton and Kris Boyd - who regularly buck horns live on air - both agreed that the midfielder will be a huge loss to the Scottish champions and that Celtic will need to dip into the market and reinvest the money between now and the deadline at the end of the month as they bid to compete both domestically and in the newly revamped Champions League.

Sutton told Sky Sports: "He was Celtic's best player last season and they can't replace him essentially. It's going to be a really interesting week. What happens in this next seven days. I don't think they just need one body in, they need more bodies. Replacing Matt O'Riley is nigh on impossible. Bernardo will get the chance this afternoon to show what he can do. He had a little cameo last season and came in on that sort of higher up on the left side of midfield and performed well but he will get his chance now on a consistent basis.

"I suspect it is an area that Brendan, he talks about the need for more quality not just to compete at just domestic level but Champions League level. Celtic need more quality in the building. I think Celtic are light in the midfield area and other areas of the team.

"I look at left-back, centre-half and maybe Brendan will want another centre-forward in as well. Celtic have got