Martin O’Neill has delivered a damning assessment of Rangers’ current situation, suggesting that their struggles this season could hand Celtic a significant advantage.
The sacking of Philippe Clement at Ibrox came after a disappointing campaign for the Glasgow club, with their loss to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership proving to be the final blow. Barry Ferguson has since stepped in as interim head coach, tasked with steadying the ship.
With Rangers’ domestic prospects looking increasingly bleak, their Old Firm rivals could capitalize on the turmoil to further their own success.
Celtic eye another trophy after Rangers’ elimination:
Celtic are now in a strong position to secure another trophy this season following Rangers’ exit from the Scottish Cup, according to O’Neill. The former Celtic manager believes the Light Blues’ defeat to Queen’s Park at Ibrox on February 9 has opened the door for Brendan Rodgers’ side to add more silverware to their collection.
| Team | Scottish Premiership titles (last 10 years) |
|---|---|
| Celtic | 9 |
| Rangers | 1 |
Celtic have been dominant in Scotland over the past decade.
O’Neill described Rangers’ elimination as “catastrophic,” arguing that it has made life significantly easier for their rivals in the current campaign.
Speaking to SportsBoom (24 February), the 72-year-old said: “Domestically, Celtic have been very strong, and you know, Rangers going out of the Scottish Cup as well, that’s catastrophic for them. With their major rivals out of that competition, well, it’s really made Celtic’s life a lot easier and paves the way [to another trophy].”
He added: “That’s really catastrophic for them and, of course, what it does do for Celtic — with them holding a big lead in the SPL — is give them so much confidence for the rest of the season.”
Barry Ferguson to change things around at Ibrox:
With Ferguson taking over as interim manager following Clement’s departure, all eyes will be on how he approaches the role in the short term. The former Rangers captain has until the end of the season to stabilize the team and will be expected to raise standards at the club.
Ferguson could implement significant changes at Ibrox, ensuring the current squad understands the weight of representing Rangers. A “new manager bounce” could see improved results in the coming weeks, though the club’s domestic challenges remain daunting.
While Rangers trail Celtic by 13 points in the league, they still have something to fight for in the Europa League. The Gers are set to face Fenerbahce in the round of 16, and fans will be hoping for a strong performance against the Turkish side.
Ferguson’s experience as a former Rangers captain could prove valuable in navigating the high-pressure environment of European competition. With Jose Mourinho known for his fiery touchline presence, Ferguson’s familiarity with the demands of managing a club of Rangers’ stature may give him an edge in handling the Portuguese tactician.
