Giovanni van Bronckhorst has dismissed Celtic’s winter window spending spree and defended the club’s decision to sell Nathan Patterson. 

The Dutchman refused to be drawn on Ange Postecoglou’s spending across the city and explained the reasons for the young star’s departure. 

Van Bronckhorst has consistently selected James Tavernier as his first choice in the right-back role since arriving in Scotland meaning that Patterson was struggling for game-time. 

And that scenario meant a £16m deal with Everton worked for all parties. 

He told De Telegraaf: "I don't care what other clubs do. 

"Nathan Patterson was a backup player.

"This was a win-win situation and basically, we don't get any weaker. 

"He was sold for a record amount and that fits the long-term vision of the club. The club now gets a financial injection and the player goes to the Premier League.”