Scott Bain has fired shots over to Rangers ahead of today’s clash at Ibrox, as he boasted that Celtic have proved they’re top dogs.
The Hoops managed to finally wrap up the Premiership title last weekend. The success takes Neil Lennon’s side to eight titles in-a-row – a stunning achievement for any side.
Rangers have, however, managed to close the gap by three points compared to last season as it currently stands. A victory today at Ibrox would mean that the gap goes back to 12 points. 12 points was the same gap that Celtic finished ahead of Rangers last year.
Bain doesn’t seem to care about any of that though. Instead, he’s just delighted that Celtic are once again champions. And, in some pre-match comments that can’t help but come out as a boastful dig, Bain told the Celtic View (Volume 54, Issue 42, Page 17) that he can’t wait to play at Ibrox as a champion.
“No matter what, the Glasgow derby is a high-pressure game. It’s always played hard, fast, with high-intensity. But having won the title now, it lets us go there with a little less pressure than before.
“We go to Ibrox with a little more swagger, knowing we’ve won the league, knowing we’re the best team in the league, knowing we’re the best team in the country. We’ve proven that again and I think we can go there with added confidence and a freedom to play.
“Hopefully we can go there, play the way we know we can, like we did against Aberdeen, and win it.”
Best in the country and don’t forget it
Bain perhaps symbolises the confidence flowing through Celtic at the moment. They’re on the cusp of an unprecedented treble treble, and could end the league season with a decent 90-point total.
Bain’s clean sheet record currently stands at 22 in 26 domestic games this season. He’s featured in two Glasgow derby matches and shipped three goals in total. Today, he’ll be eyeing up his first clean sheet against Steven Gerrard’s men.
But there’s a beautiful arrogance in which Celtic can turn up at Ibrox. So long as, of course, that doesn’t transmit onto the pitch and turns into sloppiness. Celtic still can’t afford to underestimate Rangers, as it’s a recipe for disaster if we do.
Rangers will come into this one flying. They’ve won their last five matches, albeit under pressure, but have a strong belief in themselves. Celtic have to rise to that challenge in convincing fashion.
There’s clearly massive confidence around the place heading into today if Bain’s words are anything to go by. All we can hope is that it now manifests itself properly on the pitch.
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