Pat Bonner says getting transfer business done early will be key for Celtic

Pat Bonner says getting transfer business done early this summer could be key for Celtic with Champions League qualifiers on the horizon.

The former Hoops goalkeeper, who also earned 80 international caps for the Republic of Ireland, was speaking at the launch of the Refugee World Cup on Monday.

He believes the Premiership champions, who have already added Kieran Tierney to the squad, have a good base to work from, but insists Brendan Rodgers will be looking to add some more quality players as they look to kick on again.

Bonner was joined by former Rangers keeper Cammy Bell at the launch of the Refugee World Cup. (Steve Welsh) Refugee World Cup

The 65-year-old, who spent his whole career at Parkhead between 1978 and 1997, said: “They are coming from a beautiful base, aren’t they? They won the double, they had a fantastic year in Europe and that has given them huge confidence, especially with the group they have to work with.

“But you are always trying to improve the squad, there are certain positions that Brendan will have earmarked, they haven’t announced anything yet, but they will be working towards that aim.

“He knows what he needs now, to improve the squad and to improve the team, he spoke last year about quality rather than quantity, and if he brings in one or two, as he doesn’t need a lot, then can motivate the group that is already there and fill a few gaps that emerge.

“One or two might be moving on as well, that’s the nature of football, but I think he is in a great position.

“The most important thing is that Brendan is still there and is going to be there for a while.

“I’m all for (getting players in as early as possible), if you can identify and recruit early, it’s not easy in the market. I think when Ange Postecoglou was at Celtic he did that very well and successfully and that has been a good learning process for Celtic if you can get the squad in and together early.

“Kieran Tierney was announced very early, and it is great to see Kieran back, he will be an improved player because he has more experience and he is still young, so he will be an asset.

“If they can bring some more quality in beside him, and do it early enough so they can be ready for the Champions League qualifiers, which will be important games and won’t be easy, that will stand them in good stead.”

The Refugee World Cup will welcome players from over 50 nations to Toryglen Regional Training Centre, in Glasgow, on Sunday, June 29.

The event is organised to mark World Refugee Day.