Celtic’s upsurge in form under Martin O’Neill was summed up by that superb Europa League win against Feyenoord.
O’Neill has breathed new life into a squad that looked bereft of ideas and that new life was witnessed in Rotterdam as Celtic played Feyenoord off the park.
Compare and contrast that to the club across the city and their poor result against SC Braga, Celtic are on an upward trajectory as Rangers’ rebuild under Danny Rohl stalls.
And after Thursday night’s results, BBC man Kenny MacIntyre had to practically force an answer out of Billy Dodds as he was asked for his prediction on where Celtic, Hearts and Rangers will finish the season in the Scottish Premiership.
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Billy Dodds finally admits Rangers will not beat Celtic to the title through gritted teeth
After watching Celtic batter Feyenoord and then Rangers’ draw with ten man Braga, Dodds was put on the spot as he was asked for his final placings on who will win the league this season.
Kenny MacIntyre asked the question on The Scottish Football Podcast, “Doddsy, I’m going to put you on the spot. I like doing that.”
Dodds: “Cheers.”
MacIntyre: “Give me a one, two, three finishing position end of the season.”
Dodds: “Oh, you are nasty.”
MacIntyre: “Come on, come on.”
Dodds: “Do you think sitting here after me being in at Rangers, I want to go Celtic to win it?”
Sparing Dodds’ blushes, McIntyre moved the question on to Tom English before returning to the former Rangers coach to press for an answer.
Sum up that win in one word…
Relenting after the third time of asking, Dodds finally admitted, “We’ve said consistently, look, I don’t want to say it.
“But where Celtic are and where Celtic…”
MacIntyre [laughing]: “Just say it, Doddsy.”
Dodds: “No, but you’ve got to give why you’re saying it. Celtic with the result tonight, and you would think that they’re going to spend a bit of the money that’s in the bank.
“And where they are with the deficit of Rangers, you would think… I still think Rangers will finish second, and you’re obviously thinking that they’re going to put in a title challenge.
“But I think finishing second would be good for Rangers from where they have been this season because they were rock bottom. I mean, they were touching the second-bottom of the league at one point.
“So for Rangers to finish second and get as close to Celtic as they can, I think that’s success. And then Hearts third.”
You can listen to Dodds trying to evade the question from 36 minutes and 55 seconds in below.
67 Hail Hail wishes BBC presenter Kenny MacIntyre a speedy recovery
Normally, we would dissect Dodds’ comments but after the recent news that Kenny MacIntyre was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s only right this site wishes him well in his fight against the disease.
I have had the pleasure of representing 67 Hail Hail in the company of Kenny on BBC Sportsound on a number of occasions, and he has always been nothing but kind, generous with his time, professional and respectful to me and this site.
The BBC presenter introduced the fan segment onto his show and it has been a rousing success and Kenny has always welcomed us onto his platform.
I and all the contributors of 67 Hail Hail wish him all the best for a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back on the airwaves as soon as possible.
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