Celtic’s hopes of yet another domestic clean sweep were dashed on Sunday afternoon as they lost by a goal to nil at Rugby Park. An awful performance from the Bhoys meant they were knocked out of the league cup at only the second round.

The performance of the Hoops was in no way up to the mark on Sunday, the same as what their recruitment has been this summer, at least according to Chris Sutton. The ex-Celtic striker believes his old club haven’t done enough to replace departing duo Jota and Carl Starfelt.

Sutton also stated that letting the Swedish centre-half go when Cameron Carter-Vickers was out injured was rather witless. He said (Five Live via Football Scotland): “Celtic lost Jota who was a key player for them last season and haven’t really replaced him. That centre-back partnership, I don’t think they lost a domestic game with Carter-Vickers and Starfelt. Carter-Vickers pulled a hamstring last week or has a hamstring injury, and Starfelt was sold to Celta Vigo.”

In terms of talismanic aura, presence and even skill level, Sutton is correct; Celtic have yet to find their Jota replacement. What the Portuguese brought has been extremely difficult to restore.

Regarding Starfelt, his wish was to move away, and the club wouldn’t have wanted to risk a fallout. Nevertheless, his departure could’ve been spared by at least a few weeks until the Hoops negotiated some tough fixtures.

In the closing days of the transfer window, Celtic need to add quality. The squad is packed as it is, but not with many players who are ready to contribute consistently at a first-team level. At least in the opinion of Sutton, the recruitment this summer has been questionable: “Should they have acted in the recruitment market and brought a bit more quality in? I think they should have done.”

There is still time yet for there to be more additions in Glasgow’s east end. The transfer deadline is not until the end of next week, and by then, the Hoops’ faithful will be hoping a few fresh faces have been brought through the door.