Agbonlahor certain what will happen with Celtic after Martin hire at Rangers
Gabby Agbonlahor hasn’t held back in his Scottish Premiership verdict after the appointment of Russell Martin at Rangers.
The Englishman has been unveiled to the press at Ibrox after agreeing terms to become manager of his former club.
This will see the 39-year-old take charge of the Gers moving into the new season, with hopes renewed after the takeover of the 49ers enterprises.
With that in mind, Agbonlahor has shared a verdict as Martin looks to go up against Celtic in the fight for the title next season.
Agbonlahor in Celtic verdict after Martin hire
The dominance of the Hoops has been little secret in recent years, with Brendan Rodgers returning to continue his excellence and trophy haul across the border.
This has left the Light Blues in the dust for many years, other than one superb campaign under Steven Gerrard before his failed Aston Villa move.
Any incoming manager will have the hope of challenging the Govan club’s Old Firm rivals with a view to winning the Scottish Premiership title.
| Position | Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1. | Celtic | 38 | +86 | 92 |
| 2. | Rangers | 38 | +39 | 75 |
Philippe Clement failed to do so and ultimately faced the sack as a result, with Martin now tasked to kick-start an assault on the Parkhead outfit.
This is the hope of former Celtic man Alan Brazil, who has shared his belief of a higher quality Scottish Premiership next season, while live on talkSPORT (5 June).
He said: “Hopefully, we’ll now have a more competitive SPFL.”
This sparked a message from Agbonlahor to the new Gers boss, as he added: “Oh, 100 per cent. Martin now needs to understand the pressure he’s going to be under to stop Celtic.”
Martin in for sizable Rangers challenge v Celtic
There is no doubt that the best football in the country is being played at Celtic Park right now, regardless of their cup final defeat against Aberdeen.
This leaves Martin with a huge challenge to close the gap between his new side’s biggest rivals as he takes charge of his opening season.
The ex-Southampton boss will be hoping for more magic moments from the likes of Hamza Igamane, who netted the winner at Parkhead, if he is going to mount a true ascent up the league.
This will be no easy task, but there will be hope that at some stage, Celtic and Rodgers have to let up, so the Light Blues have to be there to take advantage.