David Weir insists threadbare champions can clinch three in a row

RANGERS captain David Weir has dismissed Celtic's summer signing spree and insisted the short-handed SPL champions still have the nucleus of key players necessary to retain their crown for a third successive season.

Since lifting the SPL trophy aloft in May, Weir has seen six of the title-winning squad depart with, as yet, no new signings to compensate. The 40-year-old defender admits re-inforcements are desirable but sees no cause to be alarmed by Celtic's radical overhaul under Neil Lennon.

"What happens on the other side of the city isn't really relevant to us," said Weir. "It isn't really our business, it's not under our control. We have to look after ourselves.

"If you look at our best 11, then if we steer clear of injuries and suspensions then we have shown we are more than capable of winning football matches.

"We still have the players to have a successful season. There is a benefit because we all know each other so well and have been part of a successful team. That is one of the positives about the situation. "So I wouldn't be too concerned about going into the season with the squad we have, although if we were to lose four or five from our senior squad, then we would be going into the unknown a wee bit with the young lads.

"But it is also a great opportunity for them. As Danny Wilson showed last season, it is one that a young player can make the most of."

Having nursed his body through yet another pre-season training programme, or "necessary evil" as he referred to it with a wry grin, the seemingly ageless Weir is relaxed about Rangers' prospects ahead of the new campaign.

"I feel we're shaping up well," he said. "I know a lot of the fans have been clamouring for signings, but it's important we get the right people in. The wrong signings can cause more problems than they solve. In an ideal world, we'd get more people in. But whatever happens, there's plenty of optimism among our group about the season ahead."