Michael Stewart believes Scottish football has become so accustomed to Celtic winning trophies that it “almost feels a given” that the Bhoys will be lifting the title again.
Celtic have been the dominant force in the country for over a decade and, save for the unfortunate 2020/21 campaign, have racked up title after title in recent years.
Cups have often gone hand in hand too, with Ange Postecoglou leading the club to a double win last term despite being written off when he arrived. That followed the unprecedented quadruple treble success under previous managers.
Stewart reckons the World Cup break adds a new dynamic to the coming campaign but that Celtic have done the kind of business that protects against injury and squad problems.
Writing for The Times, the outspoken pundit said: “The new cinch Premiership is upon us and it promises to be interesting in so many different ways. In life they say two things are certain, death and taxes but in Scottish football we’ve become so used to seeing the green hoops of Celtic lifting the title that it almost feels a given.
“This time though we have a mid-season World Cup to contend with and the uncertainty that may bring could challenge what we’ve become accustomed to.
“Celtic will have a number of players away in Qatar and hope they don’t suffer any injuries, but they’ve got real strength in depth now to potentially deal with those issues. This is all in stark contrast to 12 months ago when Ange Postecoglou walked into Celtic Park and a mammoth rebuild was needed. Now it’s subtle additions.
“The best business done was getting Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers signed on permanent deals. This is now the manager’s third transfer window and each one has been a success, which stands them in good stead to tackle the challenges ahead.”
Everyone knows, of course, that nothing is given in Scottish football. Stewart is just trying to highlight how normal it has become for Celtic to brush aside the opposition.
Postecoglou and his squad will have to work harder than ever to win more trophies with Rangers entering new phases of transfer business and other teams in the division improving.
That’s exactly the challenge that our manager relishes, however.
With Aberdeen calling tomorrow, the team have a great opportunity to deliver a statement win and announce that it’s going to be immensely difficult to knock the champions off the perch.
Bring it on. Bring it all on!
In other news, Ange Postecoglou says ‘pretty nasty’ Yosuke Ideguchi injury won’t change Celtic transfer plans.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
