Chris Sutton has again called out Celtic’s board over their failure to deliver Brendan Rodgers the quality signings he asked for this summer.

The former striker pointed out that the Irishman has been open about needing better players, yet the window closed with only Sebastian Tounekti through the door.

The result is a squad that looks light going into the Europa League and a new domestic campaign, with gaps in key areas left unaddressed. Sutton believes the situation has reached a critical point, highlighting that even Callum McGregor has broken his usual measured tone to demand reinforcements.

McGregor rarely makes public pleas, preferring to focus on matters on the pitch, but his decision to speak up was, for Sutton, the clearest sign yet that those inside the dressing room see the same shortcomings supporters and pundits have long identified.

He said: (Daily Record YouTube), “If you put yourself in Brendan Rodgers’ shoes, and go by what he’s actually said about the need for better-quality players, it’s clear.

“I said at the weekend, the most telling part of all this is Callum McGregor. He’s always thoughtful in the way he speaks, but for him to come out and be vocal on this tells you everything you need to know.

“If the club hierarchy won’t listen to journalists, or people like myself, other pundits, and supporters — then surely they should listen to their captain.

“He’s in the building, in the dressing room, leading, and saying: we are short.”

Sutton’s words add to the pressure on the Celtic board after a summer full of missed chances and failed deals. The anger is no longer just from pundits and supporters, but now comes from the captain inside the dressing room.

Brendan Rodgers is starting the season without the striker options he wanted, after seeing Adam Idah move on and both Kasper Dolberg and David Datro Fofana choose not to join the club.

McGregor speaking out feels like a big moment. The skipper has made it clear the squad is too light, and Sutton insists the board can’t ignore what their leader has said.

If nothing changes soon, Rodgers and McGregor may end up shouldering the expectations of the season without the backing they have asked for, a problem that could shape how the whole campaign unfolds.