Martin O’Neill says Celtic need a strong Rangers so they can be better in Europe.
Former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has elicited a split reaction after claiming Celtic need rivals Rangers to get better.
Celtic are still to make strides in European competition and O’Neill wants Rangers to challenge them more domestically.
Celtic are unbeaten against Rangers in the last 11 games since the Light Blues were promoted, and won the last two matches by a combined scoreline of 9-0.
O’Neill said: “If Rangers are going to get stronger, and that seems like it might be on the cards, that can only be good. Rangers getting stronger will only benefit this football club to try and get stronger in Europe.
“It would be good for the league and remarkably for this club too.”
The former Celtic manager’s comments brought a split reaction, with some fans feeling that this Rangers are not up to the task, and it is up to other clubs to offer Brendan Rodgers’ side a stronger challenge.
Rangers finished third, three points behind Aberdeen and 12 behind Celtic.
Other fans felt O’Neill’s comments hit the nail on the head, with Celtic winning only one group stage game in the Champions League in their last 12 attempts.
Rangers have more pull than Aberdeen and Hibernian in terms of attracting players and do stand the best chance of putting together a side who can challenge Celtic, they just haven’t managed it so far.
Rangers have recently appointed a new boss, bringing in a high profile but untested name in Steven Gerrard.
He is busy trying to put together a squad capable of challenging Celtic domestically.
Brendan Rodgers’ side need to strengthen too, that is clear after their European campaign, and this summer is a test of their recruitment strategy just as much it is for Rangers.
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