Celtic trail their rivals by 19 points following Saturday’s defeat at Ibrox
Neil McCann insists there is no way back for Celtic in the title race following their 1-0 defeat at Ibrox on Saturday.
That result left them 19 points behind Steven Gerrard’s league leaders, albeit with three games in hand.
Former Rangers and Hearts man McCann says that lead is insurmountable, regardless of the extra fixtures to be played by Neil Lennon’s men.
Rangers have won every league match since September’s 2-2 draw against Hibs, and have dropped just four points in their opening 22 Premiership matches.
Celtic, meanwhile, have drawn five games and been beaten twice.
McCann believes Callum McGregor’s own goal 20 minutes from time has sealed a first Rangers title since 2011.
Asked on BBC Sportscene if Celtic can catch Rangers, McCann said: “No, I don’t think they can. Rangers have built up too big a gap and have too much of a margin for error.
“They can afford to make some mistakes, but Celtic can afford none.
“I understand that (the three games in hand), but when you take away the games in hand that Celtic still have to go and win – and there is no guarantee they will do that now considering the mindframe they will be in – it’s 10 points plus the goal difference.
“It’s virtually four games Rangers would have to lose and Celtic winning every one of those.
“I just think Rangers are too strong at the minute and with the nature of where they are, I always felt if they could get themselves in front they would be really good frontrunners and I just can’t see Celtic getting back to them.”
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