Much of the talk this summer was about whether or not Rangers can close the gap to Celtic.
With new investors, hopes were high (in some quarters at least) that the 49ers Enterprises could help Rangers get closer to Celtic.
In fact, there are those outside of Celtic’s circles that genuinely think that not only can Rangers close the gap, the Ibrox club can make a genuine challenge for the title after finishing 17 points behind the Hoops last season.
And that seems to be a view shared by former Celtic defender, Charlie Mulgrew.
Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty ImagesCharlie Mulgrew believes Rangers will put ‘a challenge up’ to Celtic
With the first week of the Scottish Premiership season completed, Celtic, Hearts and Hibs all sit joint-top of the league table.
Even though Rangers dropped points at Motherwell, that hasn’t stopped Mulgrew from sending Celtic a warning about their rivals this season.
Mulgrew told The Scottish Football Podcast, “I think it’ll be a lot tighter than it’s been. I mean, that’s probably not a challenge. I just think it will be a lot tighter.
“And that’s based on Russell Martin and my belief in how he sees the game and him getting the signings in the door.
“Now, whether he gets his signings in, I know it’s yet to be seen, but I think he needs to get these players in the door, these clinical players in the final third, these leaders that Michael [Stewart] spoke about.
“And I think they’ll put a challenge up, because I don’t think Celtic are in brilliant shape at the moment.”
What Mulgrew said about Celtic needing to strengthen
Mulgrew is in no doubt that Celtic must strengthen this summer and has pinpointed two areas Rodgers must focus on.
Mulgrew said this week, ““There is no doubt about it, and I think today (St Mirren game), kind of highlights the fact that they need a striker.
“They need wingers. They need two wingers, at least, because then you can move Maeda up front to be with Idah or instead of Idah. You then have those options up there.
“You definitely need wingers that are going to impact the game.”
With just under four weeks until the transfer window closes, Celtic have a lot of work to do and fans will be desperately hoping Brendan Rodgers has an ace or three up his sleeve.