Ally McCoist has reluctantly admitted that Celtic are currently the best team in Scotland, praising their impressive Champions League campaign under Brendan Rodgers.
The Rangers legend has been struck by Celtic’s performances this season, especially in Europe, where they aim to surpass the ten-point mark tonight against Dinamo Zagreb.
Domestically, Celtic hold a commanding lead in the Scottish Premiership, comfortably ahead of Rangers and Aberdeen, and face Philippe Clement’s side in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden on Sunday.
Speaking to TNT Sports, McCoist highlighted their European exploits, singling out the victory over RB Leipzig as a standout moment.
“The results have been great. The performance at home against Leipzig was as good as anything I have seen from Celtic in Europe in a long, long time, really,” McCoist said.
“They are a good team. Very good team, by far and away, at this moment in time. Breaks my heart to say it, but you have got to be honest. By far and away the best team in the country.”
Celtic’s draw against Atalanta in Bergamo also drew praise from McCoist, who contrasted it with their earlier heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
“They had a good performance in Atalanta. They came away with a draw. Good result. After a really shocking result in Dortmund where they got taken to the cleaners. But they haven’t half recovered well.”
McCoist noted Rodgers’ tactical adaptability as a key factor in their European success.
“There were question marks about Celtic. Could Brendan or would Brendan change the way Celtic played against teams who would technically perhaps be better than them and more fancied than them? And he did it, went over to Italy and got a great result.”
Reflecting on their draw with Club Brugge at Parkhead, McCoist viewed it as a useful reminder of the demands at the highest level.
“The game against Brugge was probably a little bit of a reminder. I wouldn’t say it was a wake-up call, but a little reminder, at that level, you have to be at the top of your game all the time. They got a point at home against Brugge, which isn’t a disaster.”
McCoist concluded by acknowledging Celtic’s impressive season, particularly their form in Europe, which he believes sets them apart as the strongest side in the country.
