Former Rangers star Michael Ball believes that Celtic need to spend big this summer if they are to challenge the Gers next season - a big warning to chief executive Dominic McKay and the board if they appoint Eddie Howe or another manager.

Steven Gerrard’s side enjoyed a phenomenal season as they went unbeaten, winning the title and ending the campaign 25 points clear of their Old Firm rivals.

Neil Lennon resigned midway through the campaign and Celtic have yet to appoint his replacement, though multiple reports suggest that Eddie Howe is poised to take the reins.

Ball, though, does not believe that simply appointing a new manager will solve the issues at Celtic Park and believes that they will need to spend in the summer to bring their squad up to scratch.

Last season, the club paid £14.1m, per Transfermarkt, to bring in Albian Ajeti from West Ham United, Vasilios Barkas from AEK Athens, David Turnbull from Motherwell and Shane Duffy and Diego Laxalt on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion and AC Milan respectively.

Ajeti scored just six league goals, while only Turnbull played more than 30 times domestically.

And Ball thinks that Celtic need to spend if they are stop Rangers “dominating” over the next few seasons.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “Eddie Howe is a fantastic coach, we know how he likes to set up his team and he plays great football but he would need quality players to come to the football club.

“He’ll need to have money to challenge Rangers and play catch up with Rangers. Celtic have had the glory for so many years and some players are moving on now. Scott Brown’s moving on. So they need to bring in new faces.

“Eddie Howe or whoever comes into Celtic Park will need money to try to challenge Rangers because Rangers could dominate in the next few years if Steven’s still there and they keep on backing him.

“It’s a big challenge ahead for Celtic.”