Debate has raged over a shift in the balance of power between the Old Firm of Celtic and Rangers this week.
Hearts are leading the way at the top of the Scottish Premiership but all the talk is about a potential shift of power between famous old rivals Celtic and Rangers.
The arrival of Steven Gerrard at Ibrox over the summer has added a new level of intrigue to Scottish football.
Indeed the fact Gerrard’s main rival is his old Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers only serves to add further spice.
Rangers look much improved this season and sit second in the fledgling table, albeit only a point ahead of Celtic.
It is their style of play, performances in Europe and general feel-good factor which has many Celtic fans worried, though.
That contrasts to the negativity surrounding Park Head at the moment.
Rodgers is under pressure after a lacklustre performance against Rosenborg was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Kilmarnock at the weekend.
Meanwhile Rangers showed great spirit twice coming back to draw away at Villareal before battering St Johnstone 5-1.
That has sparked debate over whether Gerrard is on the brink of leading the Gers into a new era of truly competing with their fierce Celtic rivals.
But former Celtic hero Paul Lambert has told Sky Sports The Debate that his old club are STILL the yardstick for Gerrard and Rangers despite their improvement.
“What Steven has done there has definitely made them better, definitely made them stronger and made them more competitive in games,” Lambert said on The Debate.
“But the yard stick will be Celtic. That’s the hurdle he’s going to have to get over.
“Listen he knows that and the thing as well he’s been used to winning things through his own career. But you have to get ahead of Celtic and the way Celtic have been going they’re relentless in the league and the cups.
“But Steven and Gary (McAllister) will know that (Celtic) will be their yard stick.
“They’re getting closer I think, the last few years Brendan has done brilliant up there, he’s won everything going. I think what’s happened now is there’s a little bit more belief at Rangers but whether they’re good enough in the long run nobody knows, but he’s certainly made them more competitive.
“I went there (Celtic) at a time where we had the 10 in a row hanging over us and the pressure that year was incredible to stop that. Thankfully we had an incredible season ourselves that time and stopped it.
“But you are judged by your Rangers games that is your big, big yard stick. If you finish above your oldest rivals you tend to win the league.
“You’ve still got a big job to overturn Celtic. He’s done a really good job so far, though, and if you ask any Rangers fan I think they’d be pretty happy with what’s happening.”
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