Celtic’s scintillating start to the season has fans in raptures, but for Ally McCoist, the former Rangers hero, it’s been a tough spectacle to endure.
Over the past two decades, Celtic have largely dominated their bitter rivals across competitions, and this season is no exception under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers remains unbeaten against Philippe Clement’s Rangers side, continuing a pattern of pain for the Ibrox faithful.
After dashing Rangers’ league title hopes and beating them in last season’s Scottish Cup final, Rodgers piled on further misery with a victory at Ibrox in the first Glasgow Derby of the campaign.
Speaking on talkSPORT with Neil Lennon, McCoist admitted that even discussing Celtic’s form was a bitter pill to swallow.
“Lenny, I want to ask you about Celtic as much as it’s going to destroy me,” McCoist said.
“Unstoppable at the moment, mate, I’ve got to say. I thought the Brugge game was maybe a little bit of a reminder, but the game against Leipzig is as good as I’ve seen Celtic at home in Europe for a long, long time.”
Lennon, himself a former Celtic boss, was equally effusive in his praise for the Parkhead club.
“The second half against Leipzig, Celtic were terrific. That’s the best I’ve seen them in Europe for a long time.
“And then Brugge, I thought, were very, very good. I thought they played very, very well and certainly deserve at least a point out of it.
“Brendan has at his disposal a squad that’s probably been the strongest in Celtic for a long, long time. They spent a lot of money strengthening the squad. I think that’s what he wanted. So, domestically, they’re imperious at the minute.
“They seem to be steamrollering a lot of teams and in Europe have had really good results.”
As Celtic prepare to face Aberdeen tomorrow night, Lennon pointed out the squad depth that gives Rodgers a critical edge.
A win at Pittodrie could see Celtic extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to seven points, with a game still in hand.
“Again, that’s where the strength and depth comes in,” Lennon explained.
“Aberdeen played Rangers on the Wednesday and put a lot into the game and then played Celtic in the League Cup and they just couldn’t match that.
“Celtic had the luxury of resting players, and then playing a full-strength team. So, Aberdeen have done amazing.
“I mean, Jimmy Thelin has been in there and totally turned things around and they are having a great season. I’m really looking forward to the game. It should be a cracker.”
Celtic and Aberdeen last met in the league when Thelin’s side fought back to earn a 2-2 draw after trailing by two goals. However, Celtic avenged that result with a commanding win at Hampden shortly after.
Rodgers will be eager to avoid another slip-up against Aberdeen, and with the home side recently dropping points to Hearts and Hibs, Celtic have the opportunity to further tighten their grip on the title race.
A victory in the north would not only underline their dominance but likely quash any lingering hopes of a genuine title challenge from Thelin’s resurgent Aberdeen side.
