Ange Postecoglou has shrugged off the theory that Celtic haven't strengthened their starting XI this season - insisting Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers are investments for the future.
The Hoops have had a busy summer so far with Rubin Kazan winger Sead Haksabanovic the latest of seven acquisitions. But the vast bulk of their transfer spending has gone on bringing Jota and Carter-Vickers back to the club after successful loan stints last season.
Postecoglou, though, says he doesn't view either signing as simply retaining a player from last year. He insists both represented good value for money, and would still have moved for both even if they hadn't starred for his 2021/22 title winners. Speaking on Open Goal, Postecoglou said: "People said we haven't really strengthened their first 11 but I think we have. I didn't want to bring them in permanently because they played well last year, I did it because their best football is ahead of them. Even if we didn't have them last year and they were on the market, I'd have said 'these two guys, I want in.' For us it was a no-brainer because not only are they great players but they're brilliant characters, they fit in brilliantly, they're great guys who train hard every day.
