I'll back four-in-a-row bid by splashing the cash, says Celtic chief Peter Lawwell

Nov 30 2008 By Mark Guidi

PETER LAWWELL has vowed to back Celtic's bid for four-in-a-row by swooping for new players in January.

The Parkhead chief executive will attempt to strengthen Gordon Strachan's squad in the transfer window.

Celtic spent £3million last winter as five fresh faces were brought in.

And despite crashing out of Europe after last week's defeat by Aalborg, funds will be made available again.

Strachan and Lawwell will meet next week to discuss targets but they won't have to replace Shunsuke Nakamura as the club expect the Japanese star to stay until the summer.

Lawwell said: "We'll be doing all we can to support Gordon and we want to bring in better players - although there are no guarantees.

"We enter every transfer window with the objective of coming out the other side a stronger team.

"So there will be players coming in and there may be players going out.

"One person I expect to stay is Nakamura. He has given no indication he wants to leave. If he asks to go I'll be surprised."

Lawwell also insisted Celtic will not give up their fight to make progres He said: "We can't compete with the top five nations and there is no use complaining about the television money.

"We have to look at ways we can improve. Every year we spend s1.5m on our academy and invest in coaches and scouts.

"Where we could get help is some flexibility to bring in non-EU players.

"Brazilians can play in Portugal and Holland. That's where clubs like PSV and Porto have a big advantage. African players can also go France.

"We've spoken to the SFA informally about this. Our chairman John Reid also has a high-level network."

Meanwhile, Lawwell has blasted back at former Hoops star Charlie Nicholas.

The pundit has been highly critical of Lawwell in the wake of Celtic's Euro exit.

But the Parkhead chief said: "Charlie appears to be a serial Celtic critic. He appears to be bitter and somewhat paranoid.

"I only recognise comments from people I respect."