Celtic were beaten by Glasgow rivals Rangers at Ibrox for the second time this season in the Scottish Premiership’s last Old Firm derby of 2018-19.
Celtic legend John Hartson has defiantly stated that the Hoops’ loss at Ibrox to bitter Glasgow rivals Rangers does not mean a shifting of power across the city and the nation.
The Hoops have got over the line in terms of winning their eighth consecutive Scottish Premiership title and could seal a treble treble when they face Hearts in the Scottish Cup final.
However, Rangers have succeeded in recording two Old Firm wins over their rivals this season, both at Ibrox, and in the latter display they outplayed their opponents.
The 2-0 win over Neil Lennon’s side has caused concern amongst the Bhoys faithful while proving a huge boost for Steven Gerrard’s Gers ahead of next season.
Amongst the Celtic fans’ worries are whether Lennon would be up for the job on a permanent basis as well as the state of the current squad.
However, Hartson is confident that with some investment by the Celtic board and some “common sense”, the team can continue to stave off the Light Blues in search of more silverware.
“Whoever the manager is next season, there has to be fresh investment,” the Welshman wrote in the Glasgow Evening Times. “The defeat doesn’t signal a shift in the power base in Scotland though.
“We have won eight titles on the spin, Rangers haven’t won a trophy in god knows how many years, so with a bit of investment and a little bit of common sense, I think that Celtic will be in a really good place. We are still very much in command, even while recognising there will be a challenge now from Rangers. We should welcome that challenge and raise our own game accordingly.”
Up next for Celtic is their Scottish Premiership curtain closer against Hearts at Parkhead this Sunday before meeting the Jambos the following Saturday at Hampden Park.
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