Chris Sutton says Aaron Ramsey fitness is key to Rangers title chances
Rangers being in the title race hinges on the fitness of deadline day signing Aaron Ramsey, Celtic hero Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 606.
The Welshman made his Rangers debut as a substitute during the 5-0 win over Hearts on Sunday, having joined the club on loan from Juventus on deadline day after falling out of favour in Serie A.
But while many have claimed that the title race could be tipped in the Light Blues’ favour following his arrival, BT Sport pundit Sutton believes that all hinges on whether he can stay fit.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 606 football phone-in, Sutton admitted that the 31-year-old is ‘brilliant’, but questioned his fitness.
“Let’s wait and see,” he said.
“Listen, he’s had injury issues. Look, I am a big fan of Aaron Ramsey, a brilliant player over the years.
“Just how fit can he stay for Rangers? If he does stay fit, then Celtic have a title race on.”
Game changer
Ramsey was rightly seen as a potential game-changer when he signed for the club, but since his arrival, the Bears have lost their grip on top spot after getting battered in the Old Firm derby.
The reaction to that defeat was a stellar performance against Hearts and while Ramsey is still trying to gain match sharpness, his cameo was a positive one as he kept the ball well and got into good positions.
Celtic have the lead now though and in their current form, it’s hard to see where they could potentially slip up and let Rangers back into the chase.
It will take extraordinary pressure from Rangers to cause that type of mistake, and the quality that Ramsey brings to the side is capable of taking them up another level.
But like Sutton says, if he is unfit and unavailable then all the excitement will be for absolutely nothing. Maybe it’s best to just wait and see on this occasion.
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