Walter Smith has warned Steven Gerrard’s Rangers not to get carried away despite going 19 points clear of Celtic, as quoted in The Scottish Sun.
The former Rangers manager has pointed out that Celtic are still the defending champions of Scotland.
Rangers got the better of Celtic 1-0 at Ibrox in the Old Firm derby at the weekend.
The win means that Gerrard’s team are now as many as 19 points clear of the Hoops at the top of the table.
However, Celtic have three games in hand, and it is only the first week of January.
Smith told The Scottish Sun: “Celtic still have three games in hand and they have earned the right for everybody to believe they will win them.
“That’s not being disparaging to the teams they have got to face. It’s just a fact that over recent seasons they have been likely to win those games. So Rangers should take it that they have got a ten-point lead.”
The Scotsman added: “For Rangers, they have shown they can put up a challenge — but that’s all it is at this present moment.
“Celtic are effectively still the champions until somebody else takes that title off them. I’m hopeful Rangers will do that this year because it would be a great thing for the club and for Gerrard as well.”
Sensible advice
Rangers have to be considered as favourites for the Scottish Premiership title now.
However, it should not be taken for granted that Celtic will not be able to make a comeback.
The Bhoys were in good form prior to the defeat to Rangers, and their performance in the Old Firm derby was encouraging as well.
Moreover, Celtic know how to get out of tricky situations. After all, the Hoops have won the league title in Scotland for the past nine seasons.
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