Scott Brown on Philippe Clement’s reality check up against Celtic

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The vast majority of the fallout from Celtic’s recent win over Rangers focused on a phantom penalty that was never going to be given.

Nobody really acknowledged that the Bhoys comfortably ended Philippe Clement’s unbeaten streak.

A lot had been made of the Belgian’s start to life at Ibrox, racking up strong results at home and abroad after a calamitous start to the season under Michael Beale.

However, Celtic again showed that despite not being regarded by the Ibrox camp as their toughest test [Football Scotland], there’s a big step up when you face the Scottish champions.

Scott Brown has summed that up with new comments on the ongoing title race.

The former captain, like most, is expecting a close battle between Celtic and Rangers in the second half of the season but has reminded everyone that it’s the Bhoys who set a standard.

Rangers still haven’t met Celtic standard

Brown said [Daily Record]: “Celtic will be stronger as this season goes on, especially with them not being in Europe. Their main focus will be the league. I think Rangers will push them closer than they have done in previous years.

“Their new manager was unbeaten for 16 games then played Celtic. That’s when the standard goes up. Celtic have set that standard over the last 10 to 15 years and that still has to be caught.”

By playing to the gallery and focusing so much on a row with the Scottish FA in the wake of the derby, Clement and his team have avoided some difficult questions.

But that is in Celtic’s favour, to be perfectly honest. The longer they continue under the misconception that they are losing crucial derbies because of referees, the easier it will be for Celtic to continue to exploit their weaknesses.

That’s not to say they won’t provide a stiff challenge after the winter break.

Rangers will likely find consistency against the rest of the division and there are two massive league derbies on the horizon.

But Celtic know that and know nothing can be taken for granted. This group of winners have a chance to show why they should be considered every Scottish team’s biggest test.

In other news, Nicolas Kuhn arrives in the UK as Celtic make transfer breakthrough; fee, contract details.