Rangers: David Hay delivers Brendan Rodgers and Celtic title verdict
Former Celtic manager David Hay has raved over Brendan Rodgers as he’s delivered an admission on Rangers and the Old Firm derby.
The two Glasgow rivals are set to lock horns on 7 April with Gers holding a slender lead in the title race.
Philippe Clement has turned the fortunes around for the Ibrox outfit while Rodgers’ side have struggled over the past few months.
Hay told Celtic Quick News on 16 March: “Brendan’s record against Rangers is simply phenomenal. Twelve wins, two draws and one defeat in 15 Glasgow derbies is excellent by anyone’s standards.
“This will be his seventh match at Ibrox and he’s had six successes in that sequence. His solitary loss came in Govan in December 2018 shortly before his move to Leicester City two months later.
“You could say there are no Ibrox fears for ‘bogey man’ Brendan.
“With no disrespect to either St Johnstone or Livingston, but if Celtic win those games and Philippe Clement’s side do likewise against Dundee and Hibs, it will be perfectly set up for my old club in Govan.
“Brendan and his men would go into the encounter trailing by two points in the certain knowledge they can leave the stadium as Premiership leaders if they get the job done.
“I am not saying the title would certainly be going back home with six games still to play, but it would be one helluva psychological boost for the victors.
“Plus one of those six matches would be a home fixture for Celtic against Rangers. Somehow I just could not see them losing that one if they take three – or even one – from Govan next month.
“One thing is certain – Brendan won’t be shaking in his boots at Ibrox. It could well be the case that nervous tension may be evident elsewhere on and off the pitch that day.”
Rangers cannot let Celtic overtake them in the league
The recent struggles of Celtic under Rodgers have raised concerns among fans and pundits alike.
Despite a stellar track record in his first stint at the club, including domestic trebles and unbeaten runs, Rodgers has faced challenges since his return.
Disappointing performances, highlighted by back-to-back league defeats for the first time in a decade, have led to frustration among supporters.
Criticism has been directed at Rodgers for the team’s lacklustre displays and perceived regression in playing style compared to Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.
Additionally, the January transfer window failed to address key areas of concern, further adding to fan dissatisfaction.
With Rangers overtaking them in the title race, Celtic find themselves in unfamiliar territory, trailing by two points.
The ball is in Clement and Gers’ court and everyone will be hoping that they do not let their lead slip away.
In other Rangers news, a major shake-up has been mooted by Gers and Celtic after what happened recently in the transfer market.
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