Ally McCoist insists Rangers will play a major factor in a potential Celtic exit for Ange Postecoglou - but Chris Sutton was having none of it.
Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for the Celtic Park boss as he closes in a clean sweep of honours north of the border, having already lifted the Viaplay Cup and claimed the Scottish Premiership trophy. A Scottish Cup Final victory over Inverness Caley Thistle would see the Australian claim a Treble and join an elite club of Celtic managers to have lifted every domestic honour on offer in one season.
His impressive performances in Scotland have caught the eye of Daniel Levy as the Spurs' chief desperately searches for a boss to come in this summer after being knocked by Feyenoord's Arne Slot. Speaking on BT Sport's Scottish Football Extra, Sutton conceded he could see the boss making the move to the Premier League - but not for the reasons floated by Rangers hero McCoist.
Sutton said: "I think honestly Ange will be sought after because of the job he has done at Celtic. I'm surprised he wasn't higher up on the Spurs hitlist. What do we know, Ange Postecoglou has been a success in his 25 years of coaching and he loves a challenge.
"It's the way that Ange Postecoglou sees it. Spurs are up there. They are a big club. They are not as big as Celtic but if Ange Postecoglou fancies a challenge, like he fancied the challenge of Celtic, I suspect he may have his head turned by Tottenham."
McCoist was quick to riff on the confession: "I knew we would eventually get that honest answer. You know something he is spot in.
"First thing you have got to say is big Ange has done a fantastic job, but it's all about timing for managers and indeed players in many respects. It's all about if the timing is right for him to go. Will Celtic dominate next year?
"He doesn't know. He doesn't have a crystal ball and doesn't know who Rangers are going to sign yet, maybe one or two changes..."
Sutton fired back: 'I don't think he is overly bothered about what Rangers are going to do. I don't think there is a fear factor where he is going sitting on the toilet worried about what Rangers are going to do. It's about the offer from Spurs and can he work with Daniel Levy."
Bemused McCoist responded: 'You're wrong. You're totally wrong. He will be worried about Rangers..."
Sutton continued undeterred: "Yeah like he was when he first came in and Rangers blew a 25 point lead from the previous season. I mean really?"
McCoist went on: "Yeah really. What if it goes the other way and Celtic blow the league, Rangers win the league and win the cup. All of a sudden your stock drops."
Sutton rounded off: "While I take your point about timing there is a massive assumption on your part that Ange Postecoglou will be s****** himself thinking about who Rangers will sign in the summer. I mean come on."
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