Brendan Rodgers demands new blood in attack after toothless Celtic draw blank at Ibrox

Brendan Rodgers claimed Celtic’s toothless performance at Ibrox underscored the need for more attacking recruits by the time the transfer window closes tomorrow night.

Already without a goal in 210 minutes of their two-legged Champions League play-off against Kairat Almaty, the Parkhead men struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the first derby of the season.

While Rodgers was able to hand Michel-Ange Balikwisha his debut following his move from Antwerp, an otherwise underwhelming summer of transfer activity has led to widespread dismay among supporters.

Having seen his side again labour in the final third in today’s dismal 0-0 draw with Rangers, the manager insisted the deficiencies are now staring everyone in the face.

Asked if the lack of attacking threat was a warning ahead of the window closing at 11pm tomorrow, Rodgers said: ‘It’s been so clear what the team has needed and what’s required. I really hope that in this period we can do that.

‘Celtic’s DNA is around about our attacking intent, mentality and that bit of quality. You arrive into the final third and you’re creating chances.

‘As I said 12 months ago, the dynamism in the team, the speed and the creativity, everything was there. 

'You feel you can go into games and be really dynamic and creative. That’s what we all want to see. So, when it’s a wee bit like that today, it’s not a great one.’

Although relieved not to have lost the match, the Celtic boss acknowledged that his team didn’t do enough to win it.

‘I thought it was a poor game, to be brutally honest,’ he added. ‘The positive for us being we haven’t given away much over the course of pre-season and today I don’t think (there was a) shot against us on target.

‘Defensively, we’ve been good and solid and lots of endeavour, which is great.

‘But, in terms of our quality in the game, it’s not the level I’d expect a Celtic team to be. So that was a disappointment, but I felt overall the quality of the game wasn’t at a high enough level.’

On the few occasions when Rangers looked vulnerable defensively, the visitors were unable to capitalise, with the killer ball conspicuous by its absence throughout.

Rodgers was adamant that his side didn’t go out primarily to avoid defeat in the match.

‘I don’t think you go into a game as a Celtic manager and say pass the ball sideways or backwards. So, no, it definitely wasn’t a plan (not to lose).

‘Of course, we’re missing some players. When you feel that your top end of the pitch and your front player can get you goals, then you get the ball through nice and quickly and that speed of it.

'That wasn’t quite there today, we were a bit safe and playing sideways or backwards. That’s not our idea of football.’

Adam Idah was absent from the squad as he puts the final touches to a £7million transfer to Swansea, with Anderlecht’s Kasper Dolberg lined up as a replacement.

Asked if the Dane looked set to replace the Irishman, Rodgers replied: ‘There’s lots of names that are out there. I think from our perspective, we just need that quality and speed in the team and the creativity. That’s key for us.’