Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld believes Celtic have to accept the imminent departure of star midfielder Aiden McGeady. The Republic of Ireland player has reportedly made it known to Hoops' manager Neil Lennon that he wants to leave the club he has been at since a schoolboy.

Russian side Spartak Moscow have already had a reported bid of £8.3million turned down while the 24-year-old, who has long harboured ambitions of playing in the Premier League, has been linked with Birmingham and Aston Villa.

"When Aiden leaves Celtic he can hold his head up high," Auld said.

"Every club and every stadium in Scotland has seen him play well.

"He's not just skilful, he has heart and is brave.

"I watch him getting abused on the park but he just picks himself up and dusts himself down.

"He never hides and is always looking for the ball.

"But he's not the finished article. He has a lot to learn, especially with his final pass, and I have always said that if a player wants to go then don't stand in his way.

"Every club is a selling club. Celtic and Rangers have been selling players away back to when I started playing in the 1950s.

"It will be very difficult to replace him but one player doesn't make a team."

"But if we can become a better team with one player going then we must do that," Auld continued.

"The squad needs surgery. We don't need players - we need good players.

"I'm not sure who Celtic are looking at but whoever we bring in must be quality.

"We need three or four good players who will lift the crowd and lift the dressing room.

"It was so disappointing last season for all the supporters and it has to pick up this year.

"At the moment the fans' heads are down.

"I hear all the time that they won't be selling their season tickets.

"I think they will but they need some entertainers."