Celtic fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hugely confident their domestic start will lead to yet more success, but grow weary on inconsistency in the Champions League. 

For a team that consistently dominate their domestic league, many believe that its time for them to step up on the big stage. After a great start to the Scottish Premiership season, Celtic sit at the summit with 20 points from a possible 8 games, scoring 20 and conceding 5 goals, which is a pretty impressive return.

However, the punters here in the Tavern believe that the main issue going forward is pointing towards their progression in a competition that plays host to Europe’s finest, the Champions League. So far this season Celtic have managed to accumulate 3 points from 2 games with a crushing 5-0 defeat at home to Paris St Germain, followed by a 3-0 away win at Anderlecht.

The inconsistency is clearly shown and has caused a few heads to turn as the locals look to Brendan Rodgers and his staff to bring in a couple of established individuals to establish a firm foothold in this competition.

An area Celtic have always been short on in recent times is the central defensive position, which has lead peoples belief for the downfall of the clubs performances on a continental front.

With Brendan choosing to field a much more younger central defensive partnership, the holes that seem to be leaking goals may be caused by a lack of experience when it comes to a cold night away in the French capital.

With that in mind, here’s a look at TWO players Celtic should be weighing up during the break in football.

Luisao

36-year-old veteran Luisão is arguably one of the most experienced and professional central defenders, both internationally, domestically and in European competitions. Having played 405 games in his career, with 123 of these being in Europe, he knows what he’s doing.

The Benfica captain is everything you could ask for in a central defender, what he lacks in pace he certainly makes up for in experience and awareness. With Brendan Rodgers having youngster Dedryck Boyata as his main current centre-back, he can only thrive under a partnership with a professional like Luisão who he can learn an awful lot from.

Due to speculation of Luisão with a move to Wolves in the summer transfer window just gone, it looks like the Hoops may just be able to prise him away from the Portuguese side.

So, with Brendan Rodgers succumbing to an increasing Champions League scrutiny, it looks vital for him to keep an extra close look on the Brazilian legend.

Steven Caulker

Linked with a move up to Paradise over the course of the summer, Steven Caulker could be a huge signing for Celtic. The one-cap England international has all the attributes to succeed, though has lost his way of late, and could flourish under his former Swansea boss.

We’ve seen just how much Scott Sinclair has improved, so it really could work.