Martin Keown on Scottish Premiership title race, and whether Celtic can catch Rangers

Add as preferred source on Google

Martin Keown has told BT Sport’s Europa League highlights show that he believes Celtic can catch Rangers in the race to win the Scottish Premiership table – but has enormous praise for Steven Gerrard’s side, as they remain unbeaten.

Rangers finished top of their Europa League group on Thursday night with an excellent 2-0 win over Lech Poznan in Poland – despite Gerrard making seven changes, starting fringe players Jon McLaughlin, Nathan Patterson and Cedric Itten.

It was the latter that scored first before Ianis Hagi headed home a second. Celtic, meanwhile, ended a winless run of five games to beat French side Lille 3-2 – with Christopher Jullien, Callum McGregor and David Turnbull all on the score sheet.

Rangers sit 13 points ahead of Celtic but with the Hoops boasting two games in hand and three Old Firm games still to be played in the league – Celtic still have a chance of coming back. Keown believes they can, but heaped praise on unbeaten Rangers.

“Absolutely outstanding to win their group in this manner,” Keown said. “Especially with Benfica in that group, they’re making huge progress. They are running away with the Scottish Premiership – 13 points.

“Everything is going brilliantly well for Steven Gerrard. We knew he was an outstanding manager in the making but he’s got to keep that going now. Maybe Celtic will come after them, we will have to wait and see.”

TBR’s view – Can Celtic really catch Rangers?

Celtic’s win over Lille is a big boost for Neil Lennon. Not only have the Hoops got back to winning ways, but a number of fringe stars impressed – including Ismaila Soro, Turnbull, Patryk Klimala and even goalkeeper Conor Hazard.

But Rangers are unbeaten in all competitions after 26 matches – keeping 20 clean sheets in those games. Those stats are absolutely astounding and deserve more praise than they have been given. Right now, can Celtic catch Rangers? Unlikely.