Pukki returning to Celtic after major increase in output would be fascinating

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Celtic look set to defend their Scottish Premiership title with relative ease this season, despite the challenge of Rangers.

But there can be little doubt that they have not been as imperious a prospect as was the case in the previous two seasons under Brendan Rodgers.

The problems started during a summer transfer window of indecision, which did not produce increased competition for places or kick the squad onto the next level.

Failure to qualify for the Champions League was followed by a wobbly first few months of the season and Rodgers’ sudden departure to join Leicester hasn’t helped either.

There’s no real certainty over who the manager will be next season, defensive reinforcements will be sorely needed and there’s an onus on new leaders to emerge as Scott Brown’s legs continue to tire.

But a reliable source of goals can ease a multitude of problems and with just Odsonne Edouard able to be relied upon to net goals up front from the start of next season, any dream Celtic summer arrival must be able to find the back of the onion bag.

That’s what makes the case of Teemu Pukki fascinating. He was poor for Celtic in his season at the club, but has ended up at Norwich, where he has smashed in 25 goals across all competitions this term.

And if the Canaries don’t get into the Premier League, could Pukki be tempted back to Scotland and the potential of Champions League football?

That would certainly make life a fair amount easier for whoever the new manager is.