Stephen Craigan makes ‘big gap’ claim between Rangers and Celtic during first half of clash v Ross County
Rangers have still got a “big gap” between themselves and Celtic despite Michael Beale’s arrival as manager, according to Stephen Craigan.
The former midfielder was watching Rangers’ clash live on BT Sport Score (4 February, 15:23) and was impressed by the visiting side’s performance in the opening half-hour of the clash.
But when Celtic were brought up in the conversation by Chris Sutton, Craigan was quick to suggest that despite Beale’s impressed run as manager since taking over that it’s still Celtic that are the “benchmark” in Scotland.
“I think he’s [Beale] just trying to immerse himself to the Rangers fans,” he said. “That’s what it seems like.
“But clearly when you look at Celtic they’re still way ahead of Rangers at this moment in time, albeit Michael Beale has won ten of 11 games at Rangers.
“Celtic still are the benchmark and there’s a big gap still to get close.”
No chance
If Celtic were the benchmark in Scottish football, then they would have beaten us handily when Beale came to town not long ago.
But they didn’t, and in that game they were ultimately lucky to come away with a point after we showed great character to come from behind and dominate the game.
Rangers are behind in the title race because of the problems that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s reign came with, and since he was gone there has been nothing to separate us from Celtic.
They may have been the benchmark last year, but only after Beale and Gerrard left for Villa, and they’re certainly not since he returned to the dugout as the number one.
So really, they only managed to be the benchmark domestically while our manager was focusing on Europe and reaching a final while they watched us at home on telly.
In other Rangers news, Beale has shared the “vibe” at Ibrox around potential contract renewals.