Kris Commons has taken a swipe at Celtic while praising rivals Rangers' early transfer business.

The former Hoops star reckons Steven Gerrard has the right idea by tying down new signings as early as possible with the pre-contract additions of Fashion Sakala and Nnamdi Ofoborh from Oostende and Bournemouth respectively.

Celtic meanwhile, Commons says, are "stumbling around in the dark" without the announcement of a new manager almost three months after Neil Lennon resigned. It is expected the former champions will undertake a radical overhaul of the playing staff this summer but do not yet have anyone in charge to oversee.

And their ex-midfielder believes they are setting themselves up to fail while watching on as their Ibrox counterparts go about business the right way.

"Just as was the case 12 months ago, Rangers look intent on getting their summer transfer business done nice and early," Commons wrote in his Daily Mail column.

"The pre-contract signing of Zambian striker Fashion Sakala is a clear statement of intent about how the club will be looking to build on what is already a position of strength. In truth, you could even look as far back as January when they tied up deals to sign Jack Simpson, Scott Wright and Nnamdi Ofoborh.

"Since arriving in October 2019, Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson has worked with Steven Gerrard to implement a very clear and defined recruitment structure. The club have reaped the ultimate reward by winning this year's league title and they have no intention of resting on their laurels.

"In comparison, Celtic continue to stumble around in the dark. They are about to embark on the biggest overhaul of players in a generation, yet don't even have a manager in place.

"The Eddie Howe saga shows no obvious sign of ending any time soon and it's now getting to the stage where some fans have genuine concerns over whether the deal will happen at all. Celtic are dragging their heels and have no clear plan of action in place, while Rangers are charging ahead with signings for next season.

"Gerrard clearly wants his squad in place by the time the Champions League qualifiers come around. He obviously has no intention of wasting any time."