Former Celtic coach Peter Grant has backed Ange Postecoglou’s men to bring home the Scottish Premiership title for a second year in a row.
After nearly 500 appearances as a player for the club in the 80s and 90s, Grant worked as a first-team coach in Tony Mowbray’s ill-fated spell as a manager in 2009-10, as Celtic without silverware, a fate he doesn’t forsee for this current side.
As reported by The Daily Record, when asked for his title-winner prediction on the Go Radio Football Show, Grant said: “I’m going to surprise you and say Celtic. I think it’s proven that they have the best squad, I would say, at this moment in time.
“I think they have 20-22 players you would call first team players and I don’t think Rangers have that. I think they have signed quality, I have been very impressed with the signings Rangers have done, but I just think Celtic have a more rounded squad.
The former midfielder expects the Scottish Champions to further strengthen before the close of the transfer window, with further exits expected after Osaze Urhoghide’s confirmed return to Belgium.
Grant said: “I would still like another defender. I know they signed Jenz last week but I feel that is an important area for them, centre-back. If (Christopher) Jullien goes I think they will need another central defender, because it’s a long season and an awkward season with the World Cup.
“I definitely think they have changes they can make, but you judge the best teams by the bench. I think Celtic have the best bench.”
Celtic have been active in this transfer window, retaining Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota after successful loans, whilst adding Alexandro Bernabei, Benjamin Siegrist, Mortiz Jenz, and Aaron Mooy.
With guaranteed Champions League group stage football for the first time since 2008-09, the associated windfall has allowed Celtic to invest significantly in the squad, a luxury Grant’s side under Mowbray never had.
With Urhoghide one of several fringe players trimmed from the squad, it’s hardly unreasonable to believe that Celtic will yet do more business before the transfer window closes, with other first team players linked with moves away.
Here’s hoping Grant’s prediction comes to fruition with Celtic due to kick-off their Premiership title defence at Celtic Park on Sunday against Aberdeen.
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