Simon Thomas reacts to Celtic draw in new Rangers verdict live on Sky Sports
As Celtic limped to a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock at Parkhead, Simon Thomas has insisted it is now Rangers’ chance to take the title into their own hands in a big blow to their Old Firm rivals.
The Sky Sports presenter spoke out as Kilmarnock achieved yet another result against Brendan Rodgers’ side, having already beaten them twice this season, to hand Rangers an opportunity.
Philippe Clement and his team will now travel to St Johnstone on 18 February knowing a win would move them two points clear at the top of the SPFL and put them in the driver’s seat.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News [17 February, 16:57], Thomas shared: “Kilmarnock beat Celtic in the League Cup and the Scottish Premiership, and they’ve taken two points off them at Celtic Park today.
“It is over to Rangers tomorrow away to St Johnstone which gives the chance to Rangers to lead from the front.
“They were level on points, level on goal difference, it’s only goals scored that was dividing the two teams. That was a big, big blow for Celtic this afternoon. 1-1 it finishes at Celtic Park.”
St Johnstone is now a must-win for Rangers
Even before the Celtic result, Rangers had to ensure they beat St Johnstone away from home, but with their title rivals dropping points it has now become a must-win game for Clement’s team.
The chance to go two points clear at the top must not be squandered, and while Clement will take things game by game as he has always insisted, there can be no excuse for failing to win this one.
It will then come down to whether the team can deal with the pressure of leading the title race. Until now, they have been underdogs in the fight, as they chased Celtic, but leading the race for the title is another matter entirely.
A victory against Ross County in midweek was impressive, but some considered it a missed opportunity as, with more goals scored, Gers could have moved up to first. Now, that opportunity has presented itself again, and they must ensure the same narrative cannot be peddled.
In other Rangers news, concerns have emerged ahead of the Old Firm Women’s clash.
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