Dismissive Alan Rough insists Celtic are far from title contenders even with a full strength squad.
Ange Postecoglou' s injury woes are easing with Mikey Johnston set to return to the squad for the Scottish Premiership clash with Motherwell.
Summer signing Giorgos Giakoumakis also appears to be nearing full fitness ahead of the Fir Park visit, with long-term absentees Christopher Jullien and James Forrest back in training.
Pundit Rough doesn't believe that even with the returning stars Celtic will be able to challenge Rangers.
He reckons this can only be considered a season of transition when going up against Steven Gerrard's settled champions.
Rough told the PLZ Football Show: "I know there are players to come back in, good players, but players who have been there before.
"I don’t see anybody that is coming back in, apart from (James) Forrest, who will make them title contenders.
"We’ve not seen the centre forward boy yet (Giakoumakis) and we don’t know what he is up to, I just think the failings are still there at the back.
"(Christopher) Jullien will come back, but for me it’s ok saying they are all coming back, but he’s (Ange Postecoglou) has still not got a settled eleven.
"Rangers have had nine or 10 players playing week in, week out for the last 18 months, and Celtic are nowhere near that."
