Andy Walker delivers verdict on title race between Celtic and Rangers

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Celtic and Rangers remain six points apart at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Former Celtic striker Andy Walker has told Sky Sports that Rangers are more than capable of beating his former side on Sunday afternoon at Ibrox, and reckons that will create a Scottish Premiership title race.

Rangers play host to Brendan Rodgers’ side at Ibrox with the Old Firm enemies six points apart, while Celtic boast a game in hand after their match against Dundee was postponed due to the weather.

But a win for Graeme Murty’s men on Sunday will see the Gers reduce the gap to three points with the bitter enemies set to feature once more in the league after the split.

Walker, who enjoyed two spells at Celtic during a career that also saw him turn out for Hibernian, Partick and Motherwell, reckons that a Rangers win will open up a title race – and backed Murty’s men to pose their biggest challenge.

“Rangers believe it’s the biggest Old Firm derby in years because with a win on Sunday, we’ve got a title race. On the other hand, if Celtic can avoid defeat, they will be in complete control,” Walker said.

“For years I’ve struggled to make a case for Rangers when they go up against Celtic. This weekend, I can make a strong case for them. The improvement in their play has been very marked under Graeme Murty and they’ve certainly got a chance, especially with home advantage.”

Celtic are still without a handful of first-team stars, in the form of Craig Gordon, Mikael Lustig, Dedryck Boyata, Stuart Armstrong, Jonny Hayes and Leigh Griffiths. However, Marvin Compper returns last time out and Paddy Roberts could soon be fit.

Rangers also have promising injury news, with both Declan John and Lee Wallace in line for a return this weekend. However, Ryan Jack and Graham Dorrans are expected to remain sidelined.

The Gers will take confidence from the fact that Rodgers has failed to beat Murty in two attempts, during 0-0 and 1-1. However, Rangers are yet to beat Celtic since their return to the top flight under Mark Warburton.