Former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has offered a blunt assessment of the current state of the Glasgow football rivalry, declaring that the gap between Celtic and Rangers is “massive” and unlikely to close anytime soon.
Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Neill suggested that Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side are in a league of their own this season, with little threat coming from their city rivals.
Celtic’s 1-0 win over Aberdeen on Wednesday showcased their level of dominance, while Rangers strolled to a 6-0 win over Kilmarnock doesn’t change much in terms of proceedings in the league.
It’s a pattern that has defined much of the Scottish Premiership campaign so far. Rodgers’ men sit 11 points clear at the summit, having scored an astonishing 40 goals and conceded just four in their opening 13 matches.
Aberdeen, despite recent poor form, occupy second place and separate the Old Firm, though their fading momentum leaves Celtic’s march to a fourth consecutive title looking unchallenged.
While O’Neill acknowledged there’s still a long way to go before any trophies are handed out, he firmly believes Rangers are incapable of mounting a serious title challenge.
“I don’t think he [Rodgers] has to worry too much because Rangers are so poor,” said O’Neill.
“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.
“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.
“There is no challenge from Rangers there, at this minute. Aberdeen have done exceptionally well so far, but you aren’t expecting Aberdeen to keep it going throughout the whole season. They have done really well again.”
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.
“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.
“It could be wider [the points gap by the end of the season] because Celtic are so dominant. Very, very strong. You just expect Celtic to win the games.
“You mentioned that ‘Rangers got over the line against St Johnstone.’ That is no real surprise to me. You don’t feel that Rangers are capable of going away from home and winning convincingly in matches.”
O’Neill’s verdict is as damning as it is unflinching: Celtic are streets ahead, and Rangers, for all their efforts, remain firmly in their shadow.
