Barry Ferguson makes Celtic title race admission as fan issues addressed

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Celtic may be in a spot of bother, but at least they aren’t in Rangers’ position.

Brendan Rodgers’ side won the Scottish Premiership by 17 points last season, breezing past the finish line. Across the city, they started again from square one this campaign with the appointment of Russell Martin.

And they are still yet to win a league match. A goalless draw in the season’s first Glasgow Derby may not have been an ideal result for either side, but if the result had gone in Celtic’s favour, Martin may well have lost his job.

Rodgers’ job is up for debate for very different reasons. Few are questioning his ability to lead Celtic, but after his public summer transfer demands were not met, some are asking if there’s any point in him remaining at the club.

Martin’s interim predecessor, Barry Ferguson, has fears about the impact that Celtic’s fan unrest could have at Ibrox.

Rangers have their own issues says Barry Ferguson

Whether the ongoing situation off the pitch at Celtic Park will have an impact on it remains to be seen – Celtic’s new signings will also have a big say in proceedings.

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou says he has been ‘pigeon-holed’ as ex-Celtic boss makes one thing clear

For Ferguson, speaking in his column for the Daily Record, the situation is a potential distraction for Rangers – and they should be focusing on their own problems, which are many.

He said: “I know there’s something going on at Celtic. I don’t know why that is or who to blame but I do know it doesn’t feel like a happy place right now. And there’s probably more unrest to come. But so what? I’m not even lapping up any of it as a Rangers fan because it’s none of my business.

“And it’s certainly nothing to do with the players inside Russell’s dressing room. Rangers have plenty of their own issues to sort out and that’s the way I would be thinking if I was one of those players.

“You can’t afford to be pointing a finger at your rivals when there’s so much hard work to be done to get your own house in order.

“If they’re distracted by Celtic’s issues they’re not going to be focused on the job in hand. Dangerous at the best of times, never mind when you’re six points off the pace.”

Six points is quite the gap already after just four league games – it certainly feels like Martin can’t allow it to grow any larger.

Celtic’s depth will be tested in the coming months

Celtic already have injury issues with Alistair Johnston and Jota, testing their strength in squad-building – Colby Donovan may have a much larger part to play than expected.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti have arrived to bolster an attack in need of much help, and their services will likely be needed immediately.

The likes of Dane Murray and Luke McCowan have impressed when given their first-team opportunities, both playing in positions with plenty of competition.

But in areas such as wide forward and full back, the quality of Rodgers’ options remains to be seen – as does the prospect of a serious challenge from Ibrox or elsewhere.