A Rangers-supporting pundit confidently gives a ‘100 per cent’ Celtic verdict.

Kris Boyd has given Celtic’s summer recruitment a major vote of confidence, claiming the Scottish champions have got their transfer business “100 per cent spot on” up to this point.

The former Rangers striker made the assessment after Celtic produced an impressive 3-0 victory over LASK Linz in the first leg of their Champions League play-off. The result put Martin O’Neill’s side in a commanding position and also gave several of the club’s new arrivals an opportunity to demonstrate what they can offer.

While Boyd is strongly associated with Rangers because of his playing career, his assessment of Celtic’s recruitment was highly positive. He believes the club have strengthened effectively and highlighted several new signings who have already started to make an impression.

Camilo Duran makes dream Celtic debut

Boyd’s biggest praise was reserved for Camilo Duran, who immediately made headlines by scoring twice on his Celtic debut.

The forward was arguably the standout player during Celtic’s convincing European performance. His two goals helped put the Scottish side in control of the tie, while his overall display suggested he could become an important attacking player for O’Neill.

Boyd was particularly impressed by the quality of Duran’s finishing. However, he also highlighted the work rate that accompanied his goals.

Rather than simply concentrating on finding the net, Duran contributed energetically throughout the game and showed a willingness to work hard for his teammates. That combination of clinical finishing and industry was enough to make him the standout performer in Boyd’s assessment.

For Celtic supporters, it was the perfect introduction. Scoring twice in such an important Champions League fixture will inevitably raise expectations, but Duran’s performance offered more than just goals.

His movement, determination and ability to contribute across the attacking areas provided an early indication of why Celtic were prepared to invest in him.

Hogh’s influence goes beyond goals

Kasper Hogh was another player Boyd singled out for praise.

Celtic’s £11 million record signing did not find the net against LASK, but Boyd insisted that the Danish striker still demonstrated why the club had spent so heavily to bring him to Glasgow.

The pundit focused on Hogh’s overall influence rather than judging him exclusively on whether he scored.

The Celtic number nine gave his teammates an important outlet throughout the match. His physical presence meant Celtic had an option to play forward when under pressure, while his willingness to compete with defenders made him a difficult opponent to deal with.

Hogh also maintained a high level of effort for the duration of the game. He continually put himself into challenges, worked the opposition defence and made his presence felt.

That aspect of his game could prove particularly important as the season develops. Celtic will need more than goals from their centre-forward, especially in matches where opponents defend deeply or attempt to disrupt their rhythm.

Boyd’s comments suggest that Hogh is already providing qualities that can benefit the entire team.

Nygren benefiting from Hogh’s arrival

One of the most interesting parts of Boyd’s assessment was his belief that Hogh is already helping Benjamin Nygren reach another level.

According to the pundit, the Danish striker’s presence is bringing out the best in Nygren, who is reportedly producing the strongest football of his Celtic career so far.

That could be a major development for O’Neill.

If Hogh can occupy defenders, provide a reliable target and create additional space around him, attacking teammates could have greater freedom to influence matches. Nygren benefiting from that relationship would give Celtic another dangerous attacking option.

The early partnership between the two players therefore offers plenty of encouragement. Even without scoring against LASK, Hogh’s contribution may have played a part in helping others around him perform more effectively.

Baur and Hassan also highlighted

Boyd also identified Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan as two other summer recruits who could have an important role at Celtic.

Baur made his full debut in midfield and provided O’Neill with another option in the centre of the pitch. His arrival gives the manager greater depth and potentially allows him to change the balance of his midfield depending on the opposition.

Hassan was also mentioned as another signing capable of making a difference.

The positive assessment of several new arrivals suggests Celtic have not simply added numbers to their squad. Instead, the club appear to have targeted players who can provide specific qualities and improve the overall strength of the team.

Pace and power added to Celtic’s attack

Boyd believes O’Neill already had a strong foundation to work with before the summer recruitment began.

Celtic possessed an established core of players, but the new arrivals have added different characteristics to the squad. In particular, Boyd believes the club have increased their pace and physical power in the attacking areas.

That could make Celtic even more difficult to contain domestically.

Scottish opponents may already have found it difficult to cope with Celtic’s quality, but the addition of quicker and more powerful attacking options could make the champions even more dangerous.

The ability to change the tempo of a match, stretch defensive lines and maintain pressure could give O’Neill’s team another advantage during the domestic campaign.

Celtic’s rivals face a major challenge

Boyd’s “100 per cent spot on” verdict will undoubtedly attract attention, particularly because of his long-standing Rangers connection.

His comments suggest that he believes Celtic have used the transfer window effectively and strengthened an already competitive squad.

Duran’s two-goal debut, Hogh’s all-round influence, Nygren’s improved performances and the potential of Baur and Hassan all provide reasons for optimism.

The Champions League win over LASK offered an early glimpse of what the revamped Celtic side might be capable of.

The real test will come over the course of the season, when the new arrivals face the demands of domestic competition and European football on a regular basis.

For now, however, Boyd believes Celtic’s recruitment has been extremely successful. If the summer signings continue to perform at the level seen against LASK, O’Neill’s side could become even harder to challenge.

And with added pace and power throughout the attacking areas, Celtic’s domestic rivals may have plenty to worry about.