Title races certainly haven’t been a yearly occurrence at Celtic in recent seasons.
But right now, Martin O’Neill is in the midst of a rare three-way race for the title.
Hearts, Rangers and Celtic are separated by just six points at the top of the table, and the most remarkable is that the Edinburgh side are the ones six clear at the top.
It’s easy to claim that Celtic haven’t experienced a ‘proper title race’ in the last few years, but this simply isn’t true. It’s just that it gets downplayed after we win it.
And Hugh Keevins was brilliantly called out making this exact mistake on the radio on Friday.
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Hugh Keevins’ nonsense Celtic claim called out
Just two seasons ago, there were questions over Brendan Rodgers’ future as Phillipe Clement’s Rangers took an advantage in the table.
The same happened in Ange Postecoglou’s first season – in fact, Celtic were at odds of around 3/1 to win the title that year, given what had come prior.
READ MORE: Martin O’Neill addresses ‘Scottish market’ after Kieron Bowie Celtic question
Nevertheless, on Clyde Superscoreboard, Keevins claimed that Celtic hadn’t had any ‘credible opposition’ from Rangers at any point in the last 15 years.
Caller Connor set the record straight, asking Keevins: “I’m just wondering if you’ve had a bit of brain freeze by any chance?
“That Celtic haven’t had a title challenge at any point in the last 15 years from Rangers?”
Keevins replied: “By that, you mean that they won the league under Steven Gerrard?”
The caller replied: “By that I mean, Hugh: They were also top twice at new year, they got into a European final.”
“Celtic don’t play Rangers in Europe,” Keevins said before repeating: “Credible opposition.”
The caller replied: “Sorry, credible opposition? They were six points clear of us at this time of the year when Giovanni van Bronckhorst was in.
“How’s that not credible opposition mate?”
Keevins’ baffling response was: “Because they didn’t win the league.”
“Nothing to do with the fact that we went on about a 25-game winning streak?” The caller replied.
Keevins maintained his stance, saying: “Nothing matters other than the league table on the final day of the season.”
Host Gordon Duncan then interjected, saying: “So if it goes to the last day of the season, the team who doesn’t win it hasn’t put up a credible challenge, because they didn’t win it!?”
Keevins lost it at this point, accusing the host of being ‘condescending’. Brilliant radio.
Change my mind…
Celtic’s upcoming fixtures under Martin O’Neill
After facing Auchinleck Talbot this weekend, O’Neill’s men are set for quite the week.
It begins with a trip to Italy, where the Hoops take on Bologna, in a match in which they likely need at least a point.
It’s an immediate turnaround for the Sunday, when Celtic have a top-of-the-table clash with Hearts at Tynecastle. The Edinburgh side have won both of the sides’ meetings so far this season.
And if Celtic are to avoid elimination in the Europa League, they have no choice but to beat Utrecht in Glasgow the following Thursday; Vasilis Barkas will be making his return for the Dutch side that night.
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