There’s been a lot of hype surrounding Rangers and their challenge of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this season, but that’s all beginning to deflate now.
From the initial excitement around Michael Beale last summer to the odd fawning over Philippe Clement, many have tried to talk up the Ibrox side prematurely.
Rangers dropped more points away to Dundee on Wednesday night, days after a defeat to Ross County.
Celtic now sit three points ahead at the top of the table with just five games remaining. Nothing is won yet, but the Bhoys are in a strong position and many will make them favourites to lift the silverware.
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd couldn’t hide his disappointment on Sky Sports last night, just weeks after declaring their situation a “dream scenario” for Clement’s side heading into the recent Ibrox derby. [Scottish Sun]
Kris Boyd thinks title is Celtic’s to lose
Speaking to the broadcaster in the post-match analysis on Wednesday night, Boyd has changed his tune, stating: “I said after the Rangers vs Celtic game at Ibrox that it was going to be a tough ask, but they’ve made it a lot harder now.
“Rangers can go and win that game at Celtic Park now and it’s still irrelevant. There’s five goals in it as well. I just can’t see any way back for Rangers now.
“I said it at the weekend, Rangers can’t depend on one player coming back and making a difference. It has to be better. You can’t go to Ross County and get beat. You can’t come here tonight and draw when you are in a title race. Listen, full credit to Ross County and Dundee but Rangers have got to be a lot better than they are.”
Celtic must remain vigilant, of course. There’s no room for complacency despite a two-week turnaround in the race for honours.
Brendan Rodgers will know better than anyone that his team must stay laser-focused on consistent victories, especially with a huge derby at Celtic Park on the horizon.
Stringing together a few victories now will deliver three-in-a-row and success in Rodgers’ first season back in Glasgow. Given all the chatter around the direction of the club this season, it could end up being the sweetest achievement for the manager yet.
