OPINION
Chris Sutton has suggested that Celtic never properly replaced Moussa Dembele after moving the striker on last summer, and you would have to argue that he makes a very valid point.
The Hoops allowed the Frenchman to join Lyon ahead of the current campaign, and despite bringing in a number of players to fill his boots, it’s hard to see who is the proper long term replacement for Neil Lennon’s side.
Odsonne Edouard has blown hot and cold this term, while Timothy Weah, despite impressive flashes, is set to go back to PSG at the end of the season.
Leigh Griffiths is, thankfully, set to return to action in the near future, but will need help up top, and Vakun Issouf Bayo has yet to show anything that would suggest he is the answer.
When all of that is taken into consideration, it is easy to see where Sutton is coming from.
Speaking on BT Sport, as quoted in the Daily Star, he said: “They’re a one trick pony and we have to say that.
“I think the Dembele situation was the biggest one.
“Brendan said he wouldn’t sell him unless he got a replacement. So Celtic in that respect have work to do in the summer and they need to pull their finger out.”
Sutton’s comments are typically cutting, but he raises a decent point.
There have been times this season, especially since Neil Lennon took over at Parkhead, where the Hoops have looked devoid of imagination.
There have been games where they have failed to score at all, others when they have laboured to a 1-0 win, and in general, this is a side that gives the impression of one lacking a focal point.
Maybe that is a matter of selection. It feels as if no single player has been able to get a proper run in the side to really establish themselves as top dog.
But the likelihood is that the Bhoys just haven’t been able to bring in the quality needed to replace Dembele.
Sutton really highlights the size of the task facing them this summer if they are to finally do so.