Lambert: Celtic squad not strong enough without more signings

Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert has warned that the Scottish champions are "nowhere near good enough" to retain their title without further recruitment, but insists it is not time for panic.

Celtic have made only one senior signing this summer, striker Camilo Duran, while losing several players. Kelechi Iheanacho has joined Turkish side Bursaspor, and former loanee Marcelo Saracchi has said a return to Glasgow fell through. Meanwhile, defender Maik Nawrocki was sold to Lens.

Lambert's assessment

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound, Lambert said: "The squad's not strong enough. I've seen Celtic, they're nowhere near good enough at this moment in time. They'll compete, but I don't think they're strong enough to go and win it again."

• Camilo Duran is Celtic's only summer signing so far.
• Kelechi Iheanacho joined Bursaspor as a free agent.
• Maik Nawrocki sold to Lens.
• Marcelo Saracchi said he and his agent did everything to return but failed.
• Lambert believes Celtic need to spend £8-10m on recruitment infrastructure.

Lambert acknowledged the difficulty of competing with English clubs for players, but stressed that Celtic must spend to improve. "If you don't spend, you stand still," he said. "They need ready-made players for the Champions League."

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson recently admitted the transfer market is "difficult" due to competition from England.

With the Scottish Premiership season under way, Celtic are under pressure to strengthen before the transfer window closes to avoid falling behind in their title defence.