Derek McInnes believes it's "vital" for Celtic to repay Ange Postecoglou with new recruits after his Premier Sports Cup heroics.
The Parkhead boss secured the first trophy of his reign with victory over Hibs last weekend and McInnes is impressed by how the Australian has carried himself in Glasgow.
Postecglou inherited a patchwork squad during the summer but has quickly moulded them in his own image, with players revitalised and new signings sparkling.
But there were signs a spate of injuries are beginning to take a toll as Celtic were held by a threadbare St Mirren in midweek.
And that's why McInnes has re-enforced the message that signings are required if Postecoglou's team are to dethrone Premiership champions Rangers, who they trail by six points.
McInnes wrote in his Mail on Sunday column: "Ange Postecoglou clearly enjoyed the moment, his face beaming as Celtic lifted the League Cup last weekend.
"The Australian doesn't often let his guard down but there was a real show of emotion at Hampden and you could see the genuine pleasure he took from the celebrations. To a point.
"Ronny Deila he isn't. He doesn't milk the applause or go looking for acclaim from a support who have really taken him to their hearts.
"Postecoglou is an understated guy and that is a quality I admire in him.
"He probably needed that trophy, too. If Celtic had lost, there would have been added scrutiny and he could do without that at this stage.
"He doesn't tolerate excuses or dwell on the fact he was dealt a poor hand last summer.
"He accepted the job at a really difficult period and going into the January window with that cup in the bank it's vital that he is backed properly in the market.
"Celtic's preferred starting XI is capable of mounting a title challenge and that's not something you could have said at the start of the season. But as well as the manager has done to get to this point, he needs reinforcements, especially in attack where Kyogo Furuhashi was once again the difference maker in the final.
"His touch with the left foot for the first goal was terrific and his calmness and wherewithal to bend his run and go through and lob Hibs keeper Matt Macey for the second was so impressive.
"It's admirable that Celtic have gone on a strong run despite the injuries to Furuhashi, Jota and James Forrest at the top end of the pitch, but we perhaps saw the first signs of the team creaking at St Mirren in midweek."
