Chris Sutton has delivered a blunt assessment of the current state of the Celtic squad, arguing that several regular starters are falling short of the required standard…
Chris Sutton . Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 14 May 2025. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
The former Hoops striker suggested the upcoming transfer window will be pivotal for Wilfried Nancy, insisting reinforcements are needed if the squad is to progress.
Sutton was particularly critical when discussing Johnny Kenny, claiming the Irishman lacks the quality to compete at the top level and would struggle to earn a starting place across the rest of the division.
Defensive concerns were also highlighted, with Anthony Ralston singled out as finding it difficult to adapt at right-centre back within Nancy’s tactical approach.
Describing Celtic as a side still searching for consistency, Sutton warned that without significant recruitment, supporters could witness wildly fluctuating results in the months ahead.
Amar Fatah of Dundee United battling with Anthony Ralston of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic at Tannadice Park on December 17, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Speaking via The Warm-Up podcast, Sutton said: “I still think the same old issues are at Celtic. I think there are players who are starting regularly under Wilfried Nancy who aren’t good enough to start. Hence why January is a big month. Anthony Ralston is really struggling on that right side of the defence.”
Livingston Goalkeeper Jerome Prior sliding in at the feet of Johnny Kenny of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
“Johnny Kenny, I don’t think he’d get a starting berth in virtually any team in the top flight. I just don’t think he’s good enough.”
Sutton added: “To come in and implement a style which he [Nancy] has done, and he is entitled to that, but I still think Celtic are a work in progress in the middle of the season.”
“I think that’s a problem. I can see Celtic smashing teams, and I can also see them losing a fair few games under Wilfried Nancy as well unless things change in January.”
Wilfried Nancy. Motherwell v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. 30 December 2025 Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Sutton has since tweeted that Saturday’s game against the Ibrox club feels quite big now for the manager. A defeat and its curtains for a manager who has lost a sizeable percentage of the Celtic support and probably the Celtic dressing room.
🗣️ "The Celtic players look directionless. The squad is in dire need of major surgery."
Celtic fan Conor Spence from the Celtic Star reflects on the Motherwell defeat, Wilfried Nancy's future and Saturday's Old Firm – live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/SRaCuTU1aS
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 31, 2025
Conor Spence
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