Rangers lack of quality means extra emphasis on Celtic’s European games for observers.
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele celebrates
Former star Jackie McNamara has told The Star that clubs interested in Celtic players can no longer assess performances against Rangers as a barometer of success.
Star striker Moussa Dembele tore Rangers apart this past season on his way to bagging a stunning 32 goals in 46 games.
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele in action with Rangers’ Clint Hill
Yet with Rangers finishing 39 points behind Celtic in third place, they are not considered a threat, and certainly not their equals.
Transfer interest is rising in Dembele from English and European clubs, but McNamara has told his belief that games against Rangers will not factor into their thinking, instead his Champions League performances will be assessed.
He said: “He did really well in the Champions League against Manchester City and in the other games.
“As a Celtic player, he’s going to be judged more on that rather than the Old Firm games.
“Rangers aren’t very strong at the moment compared with years gone by.
“They’ll judge him on most on the European games to see the standard.”
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele scores their third goal against Manchester City
McNamara’s comments make sense, but there is some credit which must not be ignored when it comes to Dembele’s Old Firm performances.
The matches against Rangers carry huge pressure, especially the first one this past season when the Gers genuinely believed they were at Celtic’s level, where Dembele shut them down by scoring a hat-trick.
Dembele showed an ice cool temperament and an ability to lift his game, and that won’t go ignored, even if his Champions League exploits will carry even more weight.
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele in action with Rangers’ Philippe Senderos
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