Brendan Rodgers made his feelings clear after Celtic’s final pre-season outing — the manager wants more transfer business done and is still waiting for updates.

Following the Bhoys’ penalty shootout win over Al Ahly in the Como Cup, Rodgers didn’t mince his words when asked about incoming players.

“I haven’t had any update as yet. I’m very hopeful that will be the case. We know we want to improve the squad,” he told RecordSport post-match.

That short but pointed remark echoes the growing concern among supporters that Celtic remain short of quality heading into the SPFL opener against St Mirren next weekend.

While pre-season results have offered encouragement — including wins over Sporting Lisbon and a 4-0 dismantling of Newcastle at Parkhead — Rodgers’ message suggests he knows the current squad isn’t fully ready for the long haul of a title defence and Champions League campaign.

The club’s headline business so far has been the return of Kieran Tierney on a free transfer from Arsenal — a major boost on and off the park. But the £16m sale of Nicolas Kühn to Como has left a creative void that’s yet to be filled.

Japanese duo Inamura and Yamada have arrived from the J-League, with the former slotting in at left-back and the latter adding depth up top. Fulham’s Callum Osmand joins as another striking option, while Benji Nygren has shown early signs of promise in midfield.

However, there’s a lack of first-team ready firepower — and Rodgers knows it.

The manager is unlikely to accept a window that doesn’t match his ambitions. His return to the club came with promises of backing, and as the transfer deadline looms, the pressure is mounting behind the scenes.

Celtic will raise the league flag next Sunday at Celtic Park before facing St Mirren, and while Rodgers will expect nothing less than three points, he will also expect his board to make things happen behind the scenes.