CHRIS SUTTON and Ally McCoist tonight clashed in a debate over Cameron Carter-Vickers' impact at Celtic since joining in the summer.

The US international, 24, moved to Parkhead in a temporary switch from Tottenham and has impressed in the first-half of the season.

It's thought Celtic hold a buy-clause as part of the loan terms, and Sutton reckons it's something the club should consider as he hailed the defender as "excellent".

But Sutton's praise for Carter-Vickers was questioned by McCoist who claimed the defender has been just "OK" since joining Celtic.

The on-air debate on BT Sport's Scottish Football Extra began as Sutton raved over the possibility of signing both Carter-Vickers and fellow loan Celtic Jota.

Quizzed on a possible double move, Sutton said: : "That would be a sign that Celtic are moving forward, Jota who has been sensational and Carter-Vickers has been excellent.

"It's a message that it sends out to the support that 'we are serious Celtic are coming back'.

"If they don't sign them there are going to be questions asked, both players have excelled at Celtic so therefore, get the deals done.

"Look at him (McCoist), look at his face there..."

McCoist was quick to hit back at the gushing Sutton as he questioned his comments: "Wait a minute, I want to take you back. Did you say the signing of Carter-Vickers has been "sensational"? Was that the word you used there?"

Sutton hit back: "Yes? He's been excellent - you don't think he's been excellent?" before McCoist delivered an average report card, saying: "I think he's been OK."

McCoist then added: "I think we're throwing the 'exceptionals' and 'excellents' around willy nilly this New Year, this January 2022. You calm yourself down, lad. Are you 100 per cent confident in Celtic defensively?"

Sutton conceded Celtic do have some defensive mishaps to correct but stood firm on his positive assessment of Carter-Vickers, saying: "I think there are issues but I don't think Carter-Vickers is the issue..."

A laughing McCoist then replied:  "That'll do for me, that'll do for me! 'Sutton starts January 2022 with Celtic issues claim', that'll do for me."

Sutton then continued the back-and-forth on Twitter as he joked over Connor Goldson's Rangers future.

He posted: "Carter Vickers has been the best centre back in the league this season. Celtic the best defence in the league this season.

"Ally is upset as Goldson has had his head turned… another one who wants away…"