Celtic continue to rely on old guard - but for how long?

[BBC]

That Celtic could still win two trophies in this most jaw-droppingly turbulent campaign is quite remarkable.

It speaks to the managerial skills of interim boss Martin O'Neill but also to a key core of go-to players who have had precious little help from those recruited, supposedly, to help them.

James Forrest will be 35 this summer and has just signed yet another contract extension with his boyhood heroes. He may well hang up his boots in 2027, having never played for anyone else.

Captain Callum McGregor's minutes are being meticulously managed. The clear implication being Celtic can't possibly do without their main man, even if he's not fully fit.

He'll be 33 soon, has had some injury problems this season and yet has still made over 50 appearances this term.

Special mention, too, to Kieran Tierney, who seems to have put his myriad injury problems at other clubs behind him and has delivered in defence and attack.

Japan forward Daizen Maeda has three goals in his past two games. An extra yard of pace restored to someone who was already frighteningly quick. Leading the Celtic press in a way he hasn't since his remarkable player of the year season last term.

Forrest, McGregor, Tierney and Maeda - men Celtic have relied heavily on for much of their success in recent years.

Two other good servants, Liam Scales and Luke McCowan, were also rewarded recently with extended contracts. Scales was signed in 2021; McCowan three summers later. All are delivering for the club, some more than others.

Where, though, are this season's new recruits? The players signed, some of them, for relatively eye-watering amounts who were supposed to help ease the burden?