Shay Given cheekily mentions Rangers’ Queen’s Park defeat to highlight Celtic financial strength over rivals

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic’s run in the Champions League this season has only strengthened their lead over rivals Rangers.

That is the view of former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given who reckons the Hoops‘ stranglehold in Scotland will continue long-term.

It is hard to argue with the 48-year-old’s assessment with Gers in disarray right now as Philippe Clement has them sleepwalking backwards.

Given even pointed to Rangers’ miserable defeat to Queen’s Park during last weekend’s Scottish Cup tie to suggest that the gap has never been bigger between Glasgow’s big two.

Three wins and three draws in Europe’s elite competition has also raked in the dosh for cash-rich Celtic and the ex-goalie believes there is no signs of Brendan Rodgers‘ side slowing down.

And that is bad news for the Ibrox lot.

• READ MORE: Celtic’s Treble chances boosted as Rangers and James Tavernier suffer Queen’s Park horror

Shay Given brought up Rangers’ loss to Queen’s Park in the same breath as Celtic vs Bayern Munich

“What it has done is generate the revenue from this run as well,” Given told Premier Sports.

“In previous formats they were nearly out before it started, there’s always big teams in the group stages.

“This new format, the new way in the Champions League, has been refreshing for Celtic but also if you think of the revenue that’s generated, it’ll help them next season.

“And if you think about what’s happening at Rangers they just got knocked out by Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup at the weekend, they’re in absolute turmoil.

“If you add the Champions League money to Celtic as well, they can only get stronger.”

What Martin O’Neill thinks of Celtic’s chances vs Bayern

Celts do battle with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich later this evening and any sort of result in that one would also help bring in more money.

It is set to be a special night in Glasgow and manager Rodgers is optimistic his side can get a result.

Former boss Martin O’Neill is also hopeful heading into the first-leg with the atmosphere ready to explode even hours before kick-off.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	CelticCeltic	25	21	3	1	73	12	61	66
2	RangersRangers	25	16	5	4	51	19	32	53
3	Dundee UtdDundee Utd	25	10	7	8	32	28	4	37
4	AberdeenAberdeen	25	10	5	10	32	38	-6	35
5	HibernianHibernian	25	8	9	8	37	37	0	33
6	MotherwellMotherwell	25	9	4	12	30	42	-12	31

And the Irishman is adamant Celtic always have a chance.

“It’s been fantastic and the competition has really suited them,” O’Neill said.

“They’ve got a phenomenal tie to look forward to, Celtic Park will be absolutely rocking and they deserve it as well.

“It’ll be a throwback to the old days.”