“Celtic should be trying to absolutely bury Rangers,” Chris Sutton | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers has welcomed the prospect of increased competition from theRangers under new boss Russell Martin, but made it clear the Scottish champions will continue to set their own standards in the pursuit of more success and silverware…

New Rangers Head Coach Russell Martin ninth dressing room at Ibrox Stadium. Russell Martin unveiled as the new theRangers boss…Photo IMAGO / Shutterstock

With preparations underway for the new campaign, Rodgers is expected to make significant moves in the transfer market.

Kieran Tierney’s return has already been confirmed, while deals for Fulham youngster Callum Osmand and Swedish forward Benjamin Nygren are nearing completion.

The club also holds a strong interest in Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Japanese defender Hayato Inamura as they look to build a squad capable of defending their domestic crown and making a splash in Europe.

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans at full-time. Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, 10 May 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Speaking to Sky Sports, Rodgers said competition is part of the fuel that drives him.

“We create our own benchmark and our own levels, and we’ve been doing that consistently now,” the Celtic manager explained. “But there’s no doubt competition makes you better in whatever sport it is or whatever pursuit of anything that you’re trying to achieve.

“Ultimately for me it’s about making Celtic the best that we possibly can be and using all the resources that I possibly can to help make us the best we can and keep delivering the football that the supporters want.”

While Rodgers is focused on progress, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has urged the club to act swiftly to strengthen before the season kicks off.

Callum McGregor and Brendan Rodgers celebrate the league win. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, 17 May 2025 Photo Robert Perry/Shutterstock

“I’m a little bit concerned Celtic don’t have more players in,” Sutton told Record Sport. “As much as Celtic have been dominant and won a double last season, the pressure is on right from the off.”

Sutton pointed to the importance of Tierney’s return and the need to retain key players. “Keeping hold of Cameron Carter-Vickers is a big deal. It’s so important to strengthen when you’re on top and go again. Celtic should be trying to absolutely bury Rangers in the transfer market this season.”

One player who has arrived this week is Scotland goalkeeper Ross Doohan who after making his international debut after an emergency call-up has now signed for Celtic – for a second time – after being released by Aberdeen at the end of the season.

Celtic begin their title defence against St Mirren on 3 August before heading to Pittodrie to , with a crucial Champions League play-off and early Glasgow Derby clash also looming at the end of August. It’s certainly shaping up to be a crucial month so early in the season.

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