Celtic tipped to ‘chase down Rangers’ after New Year statement – Whelan
Noel Whelan has insisted Celtic have a better chance of “chasing down Rangers” this season after securing three signings at the start of the winter window.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aberdeen striker hailed the “real professionalism” from the Bhoys to get a trio of new additions through the door last week.
As confirmed in a New Year’s Eve statement on Friday (31 December), Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda have joined Celtic from J-League sides.
Ideguchi and Hatate have signed four-and-a-half-year contracts, while Maeda has joined on a loan-to-buy deal.
Whelan heralded the Hoops for wasting no time in getting new additions on board.
He suggested it could make a big difference in their bid to topple Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Real professionalism from the club getting it done so efficiently and so quickly in the window.
“They targeted the players and they knew the ones they wanted to go for. Celtic didn’t waste any time in getting those signings through the door and straight into the squad so they can work with them.
“Again, tapping into an unknown source, isn’t it, with the Japanese league.
“Postecoglou knows the ones he’s brought in have been successful. He trusts the ones that he’s gone out and got to develop the squad. To make them stronger, make them better, and chase down Rangers. I can see that happening now.”
Celtic currently sit second in the Premiership table, six points behind Rangers.
The two Glasgow giants are set to meet at Parkhead on 2 February.
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