Charlie Nicholas launched a thinly-veiled attack on Gordon Strachan's transfer inactivity this summer, suggesting that the Hoops boss's media work and family holidays have distracted him from building Celtic into a Champions League force. 

Nicholas has urged the Bhoys to splash the cash and has even cited the signing of Northern Ireland international Paddy McCourt from Derry City as a perfect example of their failure to move to the "next level".

 

Expressing concerns that his old club are standing still in the transfer market while rivals Rangers have been highly active, Nicholas said:

"I know the supporters are getting a bit restless and I can understand why.  The manager flew over to the European Championships to work as a TV pundit for a week before returning for a family holiday.  At the same time Rangers Manager Walter Smith secured the signings of Andreas Velicka, Kenny Miller and Kyle Laferty-a player Celtic launched more than one bid to try to land."

 

And Nicholas insisted that Strachan must respond to Rangers' moves if Celtic are to prevent their city rivals from taking their title.

"Celtic should be signing big name players to make sure they continue to move in the right direction, Gordon Strachan has now got to find something to take his team to the next level", stated Nicholas.

 

Tuesday 15th July 2008