Chris Sutton has warned Celtic not to waste valuable time in the summer transfer window, urging the club to act swiftly to bolster the squad ahead of a demanding new season.

The former striker voiced his concerns after Rangers confirmed the appointment of Russell Martin as their new head coach, signalling a fresh chapter at Ibrox. With the Premiership title race set to intensify and Champions League qualifiers in August, Sutton believes the pressure is now firmly on Celtic to respond.

The Hoops go into the new campaign with a strong core, but several areas of the pitch remain light, particularly in midfield and attack. While Brendan Rodgers will be looking to build on last season’s domestic achievements, Sutton has cautioned that standing still could allow Rangers to close the gap. The timing of transfers, he argues, is now more important than ever, with the start of pre-season a crucial window for integrating new arrivals.

The former striker is known for pulling no punches when assessing his old club, and he didn’t hold back when laying out exactly what needs to happen. Sutton’s message is directed not only at Rodgers but also at Celtic’s top decision-makers.

He said: (RecordSport), “It’s a quiet part of the summer right now but time is ticking and Celtic will need to get into gear.

“In an ideal world you’d have two or three new faces reporting for the first day of pre-season, giving them time to bed in ahead of the new campaign and the crucial Champions League qualifiers.

“The transfer market doesn’t always work that way but they will need to move quickly to bring in at the very least three new players.

“Celtic can’t afford to sit on their hands and they have to see there’s a chance to put the food down early while Rangers get used to the new coaching team and regime.

“Rodgers will be determined to pile on the pressure.”

Sutton’s comments reflect a growing feeling among supporters that Celtic must show intent early. The summer window often drags on, with deals going to the wire, but this year demands even more urgency. With qualifiers in August, any delays risk players arriving too late to make an impact when it matters most.

Brendan Rodgers has been through this before. His first spell at Celtic included early business that paid off, including Moussa Dembélé’s quick start in 2016. Replicating that model would give the squad a strong foundation heading into the new season and ensure the Irishman isn’t scrambling for solutions.

Celtic will also be wary of the threat across the city. While Martin is unproven in Scottish football, a new regime often brings momentum. Sutton is right to point out the potential advantage Celtic have if they can move first and decisively.

The next few weeks will be telling. With a clear message from one of their own, the ball is now in Celtic’s court to respond in the market and set the tone for another season at the top.