No matter what the outcome of the Scottish Premier League season now, the simple fact of the matter is that Celtic need to spend a large sum of money in the close season.

Steering away from the detractors of Gordon Strachan's signings, tactics and formation it is difficult to really criticise the man due to the success he has achieved during a time of financial prudence at Celtic.

Budgets have been adhered to and youngster are being given a chance thanks to Celtic not spending big. The simple fact is that Celtic cannot hope to match their English counterparts.

‘Celtic must try to make some inroads into the cheaper end of the European market. They will never pick up another Henrik Larsson for £650,000’


Money was spent on Massimo Donati, Scott Brown, Chris Killen and Scott McDonald last summer and Andreas Hinkel, Barry Robson, Georgios Samaras and Koki Mizuno followed in January.

It remains to be seen whether Samaras will be staying on after the loan spell although he has stated a desire not to return to Manchester City. He has been an impact player from the subs' bench since his arrival and a bit more oomph is needed in his game to guarentee a first-team berth.

Killen and Donati have done very little. For Killen it is unfortunate as he was bought as a back-up SPL striker and nothing else. He is not needed. Much was expected of Donati but perhaps Celtic should have listened to the Italian sports journalist who stated that the reason Donati never fulfilled his potential in Serie A was due to lack of fight and belief in his own ability. Frankly, if such attributes are missing from a talented player then the SPL is not a good arena to try and succeed. Thus, he has not.

Much jumping of the gun has been going on in the East end of Glasgow this season and that was before Rangers threatened a clean sweep at home and in Europe. There is no doubting the talent hiding within the current Celtic squad but unnearthing it, utilising it and making it work week to week is a different matter altogether.

The encouraging signs must be acted on; indeed that is where the most concerted efforts must be harboured. Lennoxtown training complex will provide many young starlets soon enough, but Celtic must try to make some inroads into the cheaper end of the European market. They will never pick up another Henrik Larsson for £650,000. But Daniel Van Buyten would be a great signing from Bayern Munich. Big and strong, he wants away from the Germans and wouldn’t break the bank.

Dinamo Zagreb's young Croatian midfielder Ognjen Vukojevic may also arrive before leaving for the English Premier League in a few years. Richard Dunne of Manchester City has been talked about, too, but Newcastle look favourites.

Celtic spent £9million last year and must up that to at least £15 million, allowing for three top quality signings. There is now no point signing squad players as there are plenty at Parkhead.

Another striker would be ideal, giving Celtic much more choice and quality. Whether Peter Lawwell and John Reid will give Strachan the money to do so remains to be seen.