Inamura is one for the future not the present

Brendan Rodgers had some interesting words to say on new signing Hayato Inamura regarding his role in the Celtic squad going forward.

The Irishman has suggested that the Japanese defender will be monitored with a possible loan spell on the cards to get his ready for the rigmaroles of life in Scotland.

That would be the ideal scenario as even at 23 the player has limited experience and his frame would suggest he’s not ready for the rough and tumble of the Scottish game.

If that is indeed the case then it makes it all the more imperative that we add a couple of new recruits to our ever weakening backline. Gustaf Lagerbielke is about to make a permanent move to Braga whilst Maik Nawrocki has joined Hannover 96 on loan.

Greg Taylor has also ended his six year stay at the club and joined PAOK so it goes without saying that we need reinforcements in the door and fast.

Many believed that Inamura would play second fiddle to Kieran Tierney, but that now seems unlikely so the race will be on to plug that gap before the new campaign kicks off in four weeks time.

Celtic Of course face a UEFA Champions League play-off tie at the end of August and financially speaking those will be the most important matches Celtic has ever played. We simply must be ready for that challenge. No excuses, anything else is unacceptable.