Celtic could be as many as 11 points behind Rangers and Ross County, as well as eight points adrift of Hibernian by the time Neil Lennon’s Bhoys next play a Scottish Premiership match.
It was confirmed today that our next two league games have been postponed following the revelation that Boli Bolingoli travelled to Spain without the club’s knowledge and failed to self-isolate following his return.
Prompting a furious response from the Scottish Government, the club, fans and pundits, Bolingoli has put the health of his teammates at risk and handed a potential boost to our title rivals.
Celtic’s next Premiership fixture is now on Saturday 22nd August at Tannadice against newly-promoted Dundee United, with the kick-off taking place at 5:30pm.
Current league leaders Hibs play two matches against United and Motherwell before that match, potentially moving eight points ahead, with the Hoops holding two games in hand.
Rangers and Ross County meanwhile will play three further games, each potentially opening an 11 point lead over the reigning champions.
Steven Gerrard’s team are due to play St Johnstone, Livingston and Kilmarnock, two of which are at Ibrox.
Clearly Celtic would have the opportunity to claw that lead back, having three games in hand on the duo, but it’s the kind of pressure we could do without in the early stages of the season.
The Ibrox side will be relishing the opportunity to pile on the points at our expense and I have no shame in saying I’ll be hoping they slip up between now and then.
It’s now going to take a massive effort for Lennon and his squad to regroup, re-focus and get down to business following a false start to the 2020/21 campaign.
Exceptional leadership from the coaching staff, as well as within the group players, is required.
In other news, Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner has opened up on the discussions he’s had with Celtic regarding centre-back Mark McKenzie.
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