The Hibernian boss highlights Rangers, Hearts, and Aberdeen as potential challengers for Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side.
Brendan Rodgers has had a wildly successful time as Celtic boss since joining the Hoops two years ago.
The ex-Swansea and Liverpool boss has won six out of six domestic trophies in that time – the first time a ‘double-treble’ has ever been accomplished in Scotland.
That kind of record does, of course, suggest a lack of competition for the Glasgow side, although Hibernian’s Neil Lennon believes things have changed this summer.
“I think the league was very competitive last year,” Lennon told TalkSPORT. “There’s no question Rangers are stronger this year. Aberdeen will have a say in it, Hearts look very strong again this year.
“So the competition is getting stronger and the league is getting sexier with a lot of big clubs going bang at it again.
“Celtic have been the dominant team and I think they will continue to be that but I think everyone is starting to build and get closer to that.”
Things have certainly gotten more interesting this year, with Steven Gerrard’s appointment at Ibrox topping the list of reasons why.
Rodgers’ former captain at Liverpool took over this summer and has thus far remained undefeated, guiding his new side through the first two stages of Europa League qualification and picking up his first league win with a 2-0 victory against St Mirren on Sunday.
But while Rangers have made progress, Celtic have stood still this summer. The champions have only spent money on one player – making Odsonne Edouard’s loan move permanent.
Despite that lack of investment, Lennon feels we have to take Rodgers at his word over his long-term future at the club and not speculate too much.
“I think most Celtic fans would hope [he stays long-term],” said Lennon. “His record has been remarkable in the two seasons he has been there.
“I think he prioritised at the weekend with the game in mind tonight and obviously the result went against them [0-2 vs Hearts] and there was a lot of criticism after the game but you get that at a club the size of Celtic.
“Brendan has come out and said he is happy and we have to take his word for that.”
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