Celtic legend John Hartson has claimed that Rangers are now “favourites” to win the Scottish Premiership.
The former Parkhead striker, 48, was speaking ahead of Rangers’ clash with Ross County at Ibrox, where the Gers can go top of the league on goal difference.
In what promises to be the tightest title race in 13 years with Rangers and Celtic neck and neck, nerves are a bit shot across the city and John Hartson reckons the Gers are in the ascendency.
Should Philippe Clement’s team beat Ross County by three or more goals at Ibrox this evening, they will effectively cap a seven-point comeback in the Scottish Premiership title race and send a serious message about the club’s title credentials.
John Hartson: Rangers favourites over Celtic
Speaking on the GO Radio Football Show, John Hartson has given huge credit to Rangers and claims they are nudging ahead of Celtic as things stand.
The Parkhead side have had something of a stink lingering over them for the last few weeks with manager Brendan Rodgers publicly bemoaning the negativity around the club.
Conversely, Rangers are the picture of unity and – according to John Hartson – the difference between both sides’ performances on the park could eventually tell.
“In the form that they’re in, now it’s up to Celtic to prove that they were treble-winners last season,” said Hartson. “The players have to play a lot better because they have been ambling over the line in some games.
“And right now I would probably make Rangers favourites. I really, really would, just because of the way that Celtic are not convincingly beating teams.
“They are going 1-0 up, they’re getting pegged up, then they’re getting a late winner. Idah up front, untried, he’s a work in progress.
“Brendan spoke about quality and I think all the Celtic fans expected a bit more in the window but we are where we are.
“We’ve got to work with the players that we have and I think it’s a big challenge for Celtic to win the title now.”
Gers could win title without Old Firm victory
Outspoken former Celtic star John Hartson has also claimed that Rangers could pip their Old Firm rivals to the title without a single derby victory this season.
Rangers find themselves within top spot of the Scottish Premiership despite losing both Old Firm clashes this season with two more to come in April (H) and May (A).
Hartson has also given Philippe Clement credit after the Rangers boss claimed he wants to win every competition the club are in this season.
“Celtic could win all four games against Rangers and lose the league,” said Hartson.
“If they can’t go to Aberdeen and win, if they’re dropping points at home to Hearts, and if they’re drawing at home to other teams the Rangers Celtic games don’t decide the title.
“They might this year but then you’re talking that Rangers have 14 games left, Celtic have 13, neither side can afford any slip-ups.
“Give credit to Rangers by the way; they’ve lost one game in 18, still in Europe, won a trophy. Clement the other day was saying they want to win everything, he never mentioned a treble, we know what he meant.
“I sort of said, ‘well fair play’. He’s shown his players, he’s given them that challenge, can they do it?”
Here’s everything Philippe Clement had to say ahead of Rangers’ clash with Ross County at Ibrox.
