Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has emphasised the need for significant activity in the closing weeks of the transfer window.

The Northern Irishman confessed "there's lots that we need to do" despite Celtic securing their place in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals and boasting a perfect record in the Scottish Premiership so far this campaign.

He specifically mentioned his desire to secure two new midfielders, notably should Matt O'Riley depart the club.

Rodgers also clarified that O'Riley's situation remains unchanged, as no team has met Celtic’s valuation for the talented 23-year-old. Despite Atalanta's five unsuccessful attempts to acquire the Hoops' Player of the Year, they have since brought Lazar Samardzic in on-loan from Udinese as an alternative option.

While interest from other clubs persists, O'Riley has continued to showcase his skills, playing the full 90 minutes in all three of Celtic's matches this season.

"I haven't heard anything different than last week so there’s nothing new to add," Rodgers stated on the ongoing speculation around O'Riley's future.

"His mentality is phenomenal. He’s a player that's continued to grow and you see the confidence that he's playing the game with.

"I still think we need another player in that position. If he was to go, we'd need two more."

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Rodgers have made four permanent signings during the close-season, with Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo penning long-term contracts following successful loan stints. While Viljami Sinisalo and Kasper Schmeichel have bolstered the goalkeeping ranks.

The Celtic boss certainly isn't done there as he stressed the importance of having a strong and competitive squad that's ready to challenge strongly on all fronts this season. Rodgers hasn't hidden the fact that he wants to see the Scottish giants make their mark in the newly-formed Champions League league phase in particular.

"I will need to speak to the board," Rodgers explained on the chances of more arrivals before the August 30 deadline.

"There's a lot of work going on and there’s lots that we need to do, but for now it's really about the players that are here.

"They're doing a brilliant job. We know where we want to strengthen and I'm pretty hopeful that we can do that.

"I’m an experienced manager who knows that you need a strong squad as it’s a long season. Come September, there are more games and they're more intense. So we have to have a squad ready for that."