Rangers: Graeme Souness shares SPFL title verdict after Simon Jordan ‘bottling’ claim
Graeme Souness has claimed the SPFL title is now in the hands of Celtic after Rangers’ dip in form, as Simon Jordan accused Philippe Clement’s side of “bottling it”.
Souness refused to be drawn into using such strong phrases but did admit it would be difficult for the Ibrox club to make up enough ground on their rivals to leapfrog them to the title.
He explained that even if they go to Parkhead and take all three points, they will then have to hope Celtic drop points elsewhere due to their superior goal difference at this stage.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [22 April, 10:07am], Jordan questioned: “Are you surprised at your boys choking so much? Bottling it?”
Souness replied: “I’m not going to use those words, but it’s very disappointing. Now it’s very much in Celtic’s hands – it’s a hard place to go and get a result, even when you are the best team up there.
“It’s Celtic’s to lose. Even if Rangers can go there and win, you’re still hoping for Celtic to drop a point elsewhere because of their goal difference.”
Graeme Souness and Simon Jordan share Rangers title verdict
The Scottish Cup semi-finals provided a nice break from league action as Clement’s side cruised to a 2-0 win against Hearts thanks to a brace from Cyriel Dessers, but the reality of the league table is not one that can be ignored.
Having gone three games without a win, Rangers now sit three points behind Celtic with an equal number of games played and face a visit to Parkhead later this season in what will prove a must-win game in the title race.
Given the leaders’ higher goal difference, Souness is correct in saying Clement’s team will need to win the next Old Firm clash as well as hoping Celtic drop points elsewhere to have any hope of pipping them to the title this year.
A frustrating run following a 3-3 Old Firm draw, a 3-2 defeat against Ross County and then a 0-0 draw with Dundee means they will need to bounce back emphatically against St Mirren to prove they remain in with a chance at the title.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist has defended Scottish officials after what happened in England.
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