Celtic and Rangers will start the season as Scottish Premiership title favourites.
Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie has said that Rangers’ return to the Scottish Premiership is good for the league, but he has warned the Old Firm duo they aren’t the only sides gunning for the title next season, Herald Scotland reports.
The Gers will make their long-awaited return to the top-flight next season after winning the Scottish Championship last term, and they will be keen to make an immediate charge.
Celtic have won the last five successive league titles and Brendan Rodgers’ side will start the campaign as favourites to land another, but Rangers’ summer transfer activity has been impressive.
The Ibrox side have landed experienced duo Joey Barton and Clint Hill while adding young talent such as Josh Windass and Matt Crooks, but Christie feels that Aberdeen and Hearts will pose just as big of a threat.
“There are so many games that are important this season. We start with a big one away to Hearts and there is also Aberdeen and Rangers to come,” Christie told Herald Scotland.
“Having the Old Firm game back is only going to be a positive thing for the league and attract a lot of attention. But I wouldn’t say it is just between us and Rangers. Aberdeen and Hearts will be looking to push on as well.”
Christie joined Celtic last summer, though he returned to Inverness Caley Thistle on loan for six months.
The 21-year-old midfielder will be looking to push on and consolidate himself as a regular in the Hoops’ first-team squad, but competition for places at Celtic Park is high and more additions could be made.
Celtic boast the strongest set of players in the league, although the likes of Aberdeen and Hearts have made big strides over the past 18 months and they will be keen to challenge the Old Firm duo at the top.
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