Chris Sutton says this week is “crunch time” for Celtic and has told them to show Rangers no “glimmer of light” after the appointment of Philippe Clement.
The Ibrox side have reduced the points gap with Celtic to four after playing 24 hours ahead of the Bhoys and Sutton is looking for his old side to deliver a statement victory to show nothing much has changed in Scottish football.
He’s not taking Clement lightly, knowing that he has won titles in other leagues previously. And after a slow burn start to the season, Sutton is now looking for Celtic to push on.
Sutton wants Celtic to send message to Rangers
He said [Daily Record]: “I’m not hearing bluster. I’m hearing common sense from Clement and the Rangers players are going to get a bounce out of his appointment, surely. The proof of the pudding is always, of course, in the eating and its results that will dictate how he progresses in Glasgow. Time is not your ally in the city when it comes to football. Anyone who has been involved in it knows that as fact.
“Seven points is nothing with 30 games to go in the title race and, from Celtic’s perspective, it’s crucial they keep a foot on the pedal and keep Clement far away in the wing mirrors. Domestically, a return against Hearts is not easy. Same with Hibs the following week. Celtic need to be right on it and give Clement and Rangers no glimmers of light.”
The former striker has also criticised Hearts’ decision to give Celtic fans a limited ticket allocation at Tynecastle, but reckons it won’t phase the team on the pitch this afternoon.
The outspoken pundit continued: “I have to say, I find the ticket situation at Tynecastle pretty disappointing. Limiting the tickets for Celtic fans doesn’t make for a great spectacle. Hibs fans filled the entire Roseburn Stand a fortnight ago and it looked great. Surely that could have been the same this weekend as Scotland look to showcase their game and bring the best-possible atmosphere?
“It won’t affect Celtic. They had no fans at all inside Ibrox last month and still earned a win and they are in better shape now than they were then.”
It’s a big afternoon for the Bhoys at the start of a massive seven days. Atletico Madrid visit on Wednesday night before another trip to Edinburgh to take on Hibernian next weekend.
It’s the kind of schedule that will have big ramifications and alter the perception of the team positively or negatively depending on how it all shakes out. Three points today would be the perfect start.
In other news, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers delivers spot-on answer when asked about Philippe Clement.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
