Hugh Keevins shares ‘brutally honest’ Celtic verdict as Rangers development emerges
Hugh Keevins believes Celtic were best to avoid Rangers in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup after the draw was made on Monday (11 March).
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on Tuesday (12 March), the Daily Record journalist said the Hoops are “lightweight at the back” if Cameron Carter-Vickers, who recently returned from injury, isn’t in the side.
He added that centre-backs Stephen Welsh and Liam Scales are simply not a partnership for an Old Firm game right now, with the Gers set to face Hearts and Brendan Rodgers’s side paired against Aberdeen in the semi-finals.
In response to a Celtic fan suggesting it was best to avoid Rangers, Keevins said: “Absolutely right. Let’s be brutally honest, Brendan Rodgers touched on it when he said Celtic had to grind out a result and that, at Celtic, more than grinding out a result is expected.
“Celtic are lightweight at the back if there’s no Carter-Vickers. Welsh and Scales are simply not a partnership for a game against Rangers right now and Celtic minus McGregor in the middle of the park are lightweight.”
Rangers currently level above Celtic
There is still quite a way to go before anything else is decided this season, but it’s clear that Rangers are currently playing at a level above Celtic.
After the Gers slipped up against Motherwell in their most recent SPL game, the Hoops weren’t able to capitalise as they also fell to defeat at the hands of Hearts.
Although he wouldn’t admit it, Rodgers will know his side aren’t in the best shape at this moment in time for an Old Firm clash and the Scottish Cup draw was probably a blessing.
He will be confident that they can come out on top once they have some of their better players firing again, but it will be a completely different Light Blues side to what they have played already this season.
Philippe Clement will be keen to ensure his team are in a much better place when they next come up against their Glasgow rivals as there will be more than simply bragging rights on the line.
In other Rangers news, Keown has raved about an underappreciated Gers star after what he’s seen.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.