Peter Grant believes Celtic will need to add serious quality this summer if they’re to keep their place at the top of Scottish football. The former Hoops midfielder has urged the club to bring in at least four or five players who are good enough to go straight into the starting line-up.

Celtic are already known to be in the market for a midfielder, winger, and striker, while the situation at left-back remains complex. Greg Taylor could be on the move, and a replacement may be required depending on how that plays out.

Injuries to Jota and Reo Hatate stretched Celtic’s squad depth, and Grant feels bolstering competition for places is crucial heading into the new campaign. With Rangers also expected to strengthen, there’s little room for complacency.

The Hoops still possess a strong squad, but Grant insists that maintaining a winning edge means refreshing the squad with proven players who can lift the standard immediately. It’s not just about filling shirts, it’s about raising the bar.

He said: (RecordSport), “I think you bring four or five starters in, just to excite the rest of the group, because I think that challenge is always going to be there. I think you’ve just got to improve.

“Players want to see new players come in to excite them and make the training ground even more competitive. I’m sure some will move on, of that there is absolutely no doubt.

“But it’ll be interesting to see. Obviously you’ve got a couple of injuries in the wide areas, so there’s an area you think they are going to be weak.

“At left-back, Kieran’s coming in there if Greg decides to go. That’s up for Brendan to select. But I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a big challenge for Celtic because Rangers have got a bit of investment coming in as well, and that’s one you’ve always got to be above.”

Celtic’s current squad has plenty of potential, but there’s also a clear need for more ready-made quality. Players like Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, and Cameron Carter-Vickers form a solid spine, yet several others may find themselves under pressure if new arrivals raise the standard.

Bringing in starters rather than just squad fillers signals serious intent. Celtic supporters will be watching closely to see what kind of business is done, with Europe once again on the horizon.

Grant’s message cuts to the heart of what’s needed: fresh faces who not only add quality but spark competition. The next few weeks in the transfer market will tell us just how far Celtic are willing to go to stay ahead.