“Rangers are by no means a Threat to Celtic because…” Martin O’Neill Throws Subtle Dig at Rangers while Jokingly REFUTING Kris Boyd, Souness and Phillipe Clement’s Claim That….

Martin O’Neill Delivers Scathing Verdict on Rangers’ Title Chances

Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has offered a withering assessment of Rangers’ prospects of challenging Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title. Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Neill declared that the gap between the two Glasgow giants is “massive” and unlikely to close anytime soon.

O’Neill’s remarks came in the wake of Celtic’s 1-0 victory over Aberdeen, which extended their lead at the top of the table to 11 points. Rangers, meanwhile, secured a 6-0 win over Kilmarnock, but O’Neill remains unconvinced by their title credentials.

“I don’t think he [Brendan Rodgers] has to worry too much because Rangers are so poor,” O’Neill said. “I have been saying this for some quite considerable weeks now. They aren’t a good enough side to challenge Celtic over a whole season.”

O’Neill’s verdict was echoed by his concerns about Rangers’ ability to mount a sustained challenge. “I had this argument with Graeme Souness some weeks ago that ‘there isn’t a big gap between them.’ There is a massive gap between them. On any given Saturday and any given day, Rangers might pose a threat to Celtic for a match, but over a whole season, especially in league terms, not good enough.”

Turning to the issue of complacency, O’Neill dismissed concerns that Celtic might lose focus despite their dominance. “If Celtic are thinking Aberdeen are their main challengers, then as you [Jim White] mentioned at the top of your question to me. Complacency? I don’t think Celtic will be complacent.”

O’Neill’s assessment of Celtic’s season was glowing, highlighting their impressive performances in the Champions League and Scottish Premiership. “I watched them against Brugge the other evening. Expectations had been high because they had been splendid against Leipzig. They didn’t play so well in the first half but much, much better in the second half. Eight points from five games. Going strongly in the Champions League and even stronger in the SPL.”

Ultimately, O’Neill’s verdict is a damning indictment of Rangers’ title chances, with Celtic firmly established as the dominant force in Scottish football.