It’s been a week of reflection and recrimination among Rangers pundits as Celtic tightened their grip on the Scottish Premiership title race.
The Parkhead side’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Hearts, coming hot on the heels of Rangers’ stumble against Dundee United at Ibrox, has left Michael Beale’s team floundering eleven points adrift.
Hopes of a title challenge from the Ibrox club seem as distant as the chance of a white Christmas in Glasgow.
Celtic, once again, demonstrated their ruthless efficiency. Goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn, and an Adam Idah double secured a dominant win at Tynecastle.
Yet, it wasn’t the scorers grabbing headlines this week. Instead, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd took aim at the glaring deficiencies in his old club’s squad while lavishing praise on Celtic’s homegrown core.
Boyd Highlights Celtic’s Winning Mentality
Speaking after the weekend results, Boyd zeroed in on the gulf in mentality and identity between the Glasgow rivals.
In particular, he singled out Celtic stalwart James Forrest, who recently signed a new contract, as emblematic of what Rangers lack.
“James Forrest, when you go back a long time ago, the Lisbon Lions and everything that they won,” Boyd told Go Ballistic.
“But I think right now, for where Celtic are, James Forrest epitomises the whole thing. And for me, you speak about Scott Brown in recent times, you speak about Callum McGregor, but James Forrest has been there now for a period of time.
“And we speak about Rangers in terms of not having that identity, that connection with the players to the club. Celtic have got that in abundance.”
Boyd’s comments weren’t limited to Forrest. He lamented Rangers’ lack of fighters, contrasting their squad with Celtic’s core of seasoned campaigners who understand what it means to play for the club.
Rangers Envy Celtic’s Core Players
“James Forrest is never going to be a regular for Celtic going forward now,” Boyd continued. “I mean, those days are gone.
“But even when he comes in, he makes a difference for those three or four games when he needs to. When he needs to come off the bench, he’ll make a difference.
“You could argue that James Forrest turned the season for Celtic last year when he arrived back because he knows exactly what it takes to be a success for the football club.
“And added to that with Anthony Ralston, Greg Taylor, Callum McGregor, you know, boys that have been over the course of distance that know exactly what it means to play for the football club.
“I bet you Rangers wish that they had a few like that in their dressing room right now, that’s for sure.”
The qualities Boyd admires in Forrest, McGregor, and others are part of a wider ethos at Celtic. Brendan Rodgers has built a team with a strong backbone and tireless work ethic.
Players like Kasper Schmeichel and Cameron Carter-Vickers provide solidity at the back, while Alistair Johnston’s aggression complements Nicolas Kuhn’s attacking flair.
Daizen Maeda’s relentless work rate on the left and Kyogo Furuhashi’s high pressing up front exemplify a team that defends from the front. It’s a squad where everyone knows their role and fights for the cause, a stark contrast to the disjointed displays from Rangers in recent weeks.
While Boyd was keen to highlight Celtic’s Scottish contingent for their battling qualities, it’s clear this mentality runs through the entire squad. It’s a key factor in ensuring that, come May, the Scottish Premiership trophy is likely to remain locked in the Parkhead cabinet.
