KRIS BOYD reckons Celtic's return to the Champions League group stage could impact their ability to defend the Scottish Premiership title.
The Rangers hero is tipping Giovanni van Bronckhorst to lead his Ibrox side to league glory this term - and Boyd has suggested a Celtic 'balancing act' could be vital.
Celtic secured Champions League group stage football by winning the league last season meaning they'll feature for at least six games in Europe's elite tournament.
And for Boyd, the demand to succeed both domestically and in Europe could lead to Rangers reclaiming the top-flight crown.
However, Rangers could join Celtic in the group stage should they navigate qualifying rounds with a third qualifying round tie against Union Saint-Gilloise upcoming next month.
Boyd reckons the league will be close run this season, but added to the European demands, he reckons the pressure of being champions could play a factor.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Boyd said: "There was not much between Rangers and Celtic last season and it will be another close-run title race this time around.
"Ange Postecoglou has added to his squad and secured the permanent signings of Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers, who were excellent last season. However, being champions brings added pressure and every team will be out to frustrate Celtic.
"Nobody expected Celtic to hit the levels we saw last year. It was a fantastic turnaround from where they found themselves - but the fans will demand they perform in Europe too.
"It's a balancing act Celtic have had to contend with in the past, but the Champions League group stages are a massive step up from the Europa Conference League and for that reason no one will be surprised I have them as runners-up."
