Chris Sutton bizarrely doesn’t rule out doomsday Celtic scenario

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Celtic have got numerous reasons not to be worried about Rangers’ managerial search.

Perhaps most obviously, the Hoops are nine points ahead of their city rivals. Brendan Rodgers will likely be paying more attention to Hearts currently, given that they currently lead the league and will host the Celts in a few weeks.

Rangers aren’t even close to the top of the table at the minute, languishing in eighth after relieving Russell Martin of his duties.

It is also obvious that Celtic have got plenty on their own plate, with a meeting discussing fan discontent on Monday and a manager in the final year of his contract.

But for one Celtic hero, they may want to be looking over their shoulders regardless of what’s going on.

Chris Sutton on Rangers overtaking Celtic in the league

Rangers are reportedly in talks with Steven Gerrard over a managerial return. After the negativity surrounding Martin, this would be a more well-received appointment.

READ MORE: Celtic European performances slated Tony Bloom as Hearts investor makes Scottish football promise

For Chris Sutton, speaking on the Record Celtic Podcast, it isn’t even off the cards that a new Rangers manager wins the Scottish Premiership title this season.

He said: “The new Rangers manager, who ever it is, can look at it a couple of ways. What is he taking over, for a start? That would be a concern.

“Then you look across the city and ask, how strong are Celtic? The gap is nine points at this moment in time – and obviously you have Hearts up there right now.

“But I honestly don’t think that it’s impossible for Rangers to win the league this season. I’m basing that on what I’ve seen from Celtic this season. January is the big unknown, of course.

“Celtic just need to concentrate and put their own house in order and win games and try and get a rhythm and momentum.

“The new Rangers manager will go in and say, this squad isn’t good enough. I know there’s just been a big overhaul at Ibrox and lots of players coming in, but their squad isn’t good enough.”

Where must Celtic performances improve?

With results, and particularly performances, still not where they need to be, there is much debate around what Celtic’s biggest problems are on the pitch.

Kieran Tierney has struggled for both fitness and impact since making his return from Arsenal, but there is no need for serious panic just yet.

Kasper Schmeichel and Callum McGregor, the two main leaders in the side, are both also not on top form at the minute. This is understandably having an impact.

But the decisive factors will be the Hoops’ new signings. If Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Kelechi Iheanacho and Sebastian Tounekti can’t consistently contribute, things are unlikely to take a serious upturn before January.