BBC Scotland journalist Tom English believes Celtic will pip Rangers to the title, even if he’s been effusive in his praise of Philippe Clement.
Rangers have cut their Old Firm rival’s lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to five points, with Clement’s men also boasting a game in hand on their rivals.
This comes after an impressively routine 3-0 win over Hibs at Easter Road with the Rangers squad improving by the game under the Belgian manager.
But according to English, he doesn’t believe it will be enough for Rangers to beat Celtic to the Premiership title when all is said and done in May.
Tom English on Rangers Celtic title race
Speaking on BBC Sportsound’s coverage of the match at Easter Road, Tom English praised the early success of Philippe Clement as Rangers manager.
But despite this the outspoken journalist has tipped Celtic to “pull away” in the title race although he isn’t predicting a comfortable Premiership victory.
“I think Celtic will pull away,” said English. “I don’t think they’ll win the league very, very comfortably but I think they’ll win the league but Clement has done an excellent job so far.
“Way better than I thought he would and he hasn’t really put his own imprint on it yet and I’m very interested to see when he does what types of players he goes for.
“I know he’s got one in on loan so far, what does he go for? And what can he get out of them? I think he’s done very well, he’s obviously won a trophy so far as well, so fair play to him.
”But a long way to go. Rangers want to win the league. I don’t think they’re going to win the league, but I didn’t think they’d be this close to Celtic.”
Philippe Clement’s eyes on the prize
Rangers manager Philippe Clement won’t be perturbed even in the slightest by the comments of Tom English as he hunts Celtic down this season.
The Gers look a different beast under the Belgian but there is certainly a long way to go until the league title is decided.
Rangers continue to look at transfer reinforcements in January and we’ll know within a week if the club’s squad is well placed to mount that title tilt in the second half of the campaign.
But any of those title soundbites are coming from the Celtic camp, with the comments of Calum McGregor and Brendan Rodgers after December’s Old Firm firmly bookmarked.
Tom English exemplifies the confidence – burgeoning on arrogance – behind Celtic’s title charge this season and Rangers just need to keep winning games.
If we do that, we’ll certainly be there or thereabouts with all the pressure on the Parkhead club heading into a tough run of fixtures.
