There are times as a journalist when you need to react quickly, especially when you’re broadcasting live to the nation.

I had that kind of moment a few days ago with Brendan Rodgers when he actually burst out laughing at my enquiry as to whether he’d be able to spend the money the club was about to bank for Matt O’Riley’s move to Brighton.

I have been covering Celtic long enough to know there’s not really much life in that question, he replied.

I wasn’t suggesting he spends it on one player, but are they not trying to bring in several new acquisitions who may cost around the £7m or £8m mark?

Let’s see what happens was the response of the Celtic manager, who added that his squad will definitely be stronger come the end of the window.

His initial reaction spoke volumes. He was incredulous. The implication being it was ridiculous to suggest the club would spend over £20m in the remaining days of the transfer window and that I’ve been around long enough to know that.

He’s right, of course. In all my time covering Scottish football, I have never known Celtic’s finances to be in such rude health.

Even allowing for their normal tendency towards prudence, they have so much money in the bank from previous player trading, excellent season-ticket sales and regularly competing in the Champions League that they actually are in a position to give the manager all of the O’Riley money.

The proof will be in the pudding. My enquiry may not look all that silly if – in addition to splashing out on Adam Idah – the club pays significant fees on one or two midfielders, a defender and possibly another forward.

The model the club has used has worked very well, the profit of O’Riley being the prime example. What Rodgers is asking for now is to reinvest that money in the team in a way the money men may be slightly uncomfortable with.

If Rodgers gets his way, his culture change will take another significant step forward.