Chris Sutton worried by what he's seen at Celtic - 'That's got to be a concern for Martin O'Neill'

Chris Sutton has been left concerned by Celtic's lack of intensity in the transfer market this summer.

The Scottish Premiership season kicked off on Friday when Rangers drew 1-1 with Dundee United, with the Hoops to host Dundee FC in their opener on Monday.

Yet Martin O'Neill's squad remains full of gaps, with just two signings arriving at Parkhead so far this summer.

Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran have arrived for a combined fee of around £15million and both look to be exciting strikers, but Celtic need far more.

Several players have left the club, with Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston potentially set to join them in the coming days if talks with West Ham and Everton progress.

O'Neill confirmed on Friday that Celtic hold interest in Fares Ghedjemis and that a deal for Marcelo Saracchi is still possible, but frustration continues to build amid the lack of progression.

Chris Sutton voices Celtic concerns

Just nine months ago, Celtic were in a seriously bad spot. Brendan Rodgers had resigned and the team were seriously struggling in the league.

O'Neill emerged from retirement to return as a caretaker manager, winning seven of the eight games he managed and getting his former side back on track.

The disastrous appointment of Wilfried Nancy left Celtic in need again and once more, the Northern Irishman put his hand up to help out.

It was his experience and brilliance that saw the Hoops somehow win the double last season, and he has committed to at least another year despite admitting that many of his signings are with a future successor in mind.

You would think that O'Neill's loyalty has earned proactivity in the window from those above him, yet Sutton has voiced his concerns.

"We still don’t really know how Celtic will line up – or who will be in the team," Sutton wrote for the Daily Record.

"That’s got to be a concern for Martin O’Neill at this stage. I know the transfer market can be difficult but they should have been attacking it ferociously to get ready for the challenge.

"No one should dismiss the calibre of the opposition given what happened against Kairat 12 months ago."

What has Martin O'Neill said about the transfer window?

O'Neill has refrained from public frustrations over the transfer window but it is clear that he wants to see new signings in place.

Speaking on Friday, he said: "I think you have to try and do your best to balance everything and try and get new players in and try and hold the players that you have at the same time. That's utopia. Unfortunately, that's not real life."

Talks are expected to continue for both Johnston and Engels in the coming days, with uncertainty over their futures.

Celtic are yet to discover their Champions League qualifier opponent, with the games to be played later in August.