Rangers are the side who will be feeling the pressure according to John Hartson
With Rangers currently 16 points ahead and only one more round of fixtures before the crucial New Year derby, there is much talk about pressure in the title race.
Former Celtic star John Hartson, however, believes it is the league leaders who will be feeling it.
Hartson, who failed a medical at Ibrox before joining Celtic in August 2001, went on to score 109 goals in 201 appearances for the club.
He won three Scottish Premier League titles during his time in Glasgow, and clearly knows what it takes to get over the line.
His former club appear to have turned a corner following a disastrous spell, with Sunday’s 3-0 win against Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park their third consecutive victory in the league.
Rangers, meanwhile, showed no signs of slipping as they ground out a 1-0 win against Hibs at Ibrox.
Speaking on Sky Sports after Ianis Hagi’s goal earned Rangers three points, Hartson said: “Celtic have been there. The titles have gone their way for the past nine years.
“Let’s see Rangers now. Celtic have always been at the top, they haven’t had to deal with being behind.
“Now, they’re looking forward, looking up ahead.
“Rangers have a massive lead, it’d be a travesty now if they were to let this lead go.
“All the pressure now turns on Rangers.”
Ex-Rangers striker Kris Boyd was unimpressed with Hartson’s take, saying: “It’s not bad pressure right enough, 19 points clear.”
Neil Lennon’s men duly reduced the gap to 16 once again with their victory at New Douglas Park, and attention now turns to midweek.
Steven Gerrard’s league leaders return to Paisley as they aim to avenge their recent Betfred Cup defeat against St Mirren, while Celtic play host to Dundee United.
It’s the last round of Scottish Premiership fixtures in 2020, with Saturday’s derby kicking off 2021.
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