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Daily Record
Daily Record
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Liam Bryce

Kris Commons in damning Celtic and Rangers transfer comparison as he makes title prediction

Kris Commons reckons a disparity in quality transfer business has fuelled Celtic snatching title momentum from Rangers.

The former Parkhead star has been unimpressed with the signings made at Ibrox over the past year but lauded Ange Postecoglou for his work in the market.

Victory in Wednesday's derby at Ibrox propelled Celtic to the Premiership summit and they followed that up with another devastating display at Motherwell on Sunday.

Rangers, too, found their form with a thumping 5-0 win over Hearts later in the day.

Celtic ran out comfortable 4-0 winners over Motherwell (SNS Group)

But Commons insists it's now Celtic's title to lose while criticising Ibrox signings such as John Lundstram, Fashion Sakala and Juninho Bacuna, who has already been moved on.

He wrote in the Daily Mail: "There's now a ruthlessness to this Celtic team. A relentless streak which, from their position at the top of the table, means it's now their title to lose from here.

"They have all the momentum.

"That can take you a long way, but there's also the fact that, quite simply, they are just playing a much better brand of football than Rangers. In terms of the style being implemented by both managers, Celtic are further along their journey under Ange Postecoglou than Rangers are under Van Bronckhorst.

"The Dutchman got his tactics totally wrong in the Old Firm game.

"Rangers sat far too deep and were too passive, allowing Celtic all sorts of space in the wide channels.

"Reo Hatate and Matt O'Riley absolutely strolled their way through the game, with the Japanese midfielder proving to be the match-winner with two excellent goals.

(SNS Group)

"Signed for roughly £1.5million apiece, they already look to be two outstanding acquisitions for Celtic, adding to several others brought to the club by Postecoglou.

"Kyogo Furuhashi is the pick of the bunch in that respect. But

"Liel Abada continues to make a brilliant impact, albeit slightly under the radar.

"The little Israeli winger now has 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, an outstanding return in early February for a 20-year-old in his first season with the club.

"You've then got Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers, two loan players who I'm sure Postecoglou would dearly love to tie down on permanent deals.

"Josip Juranovic has been a sensational find as well. A proper all-court footballer who excels in a number of positions, he was brilliant against Rangers. Daizen Maeda looks to be a decent addition up front, while Carl Starfelt is slowly but surely starting to come on to a game.

"Compare that to how Rangers have recruited over the past year or so. Of their summer signings last year, none of John Lundstram, Fashion Sakala or Juninho Bacuna have made any appreciable impact.

"Indeed, Bacuna has already been moved on to Birmingham City. Meanwhile, Rangers have opted for box-office January signings like Amad Diallo and Aaron Ramsey."

Commons confessed he isn't believing the hype on Manchester United youngster Diallo.

He continued: "A lot of people are focusing on the fact that Manchester United spent £37m on Diallo, as though that's some sort of guarantee about his ability. But it doesn't work like that. Given the current state of affairs at Old Trafford, I wouldn't trust United to spend £37m on anyone. Diallo was swallowed up by the occasion against Celtic.

"Ramsey came off the bench to make his debut against Hearts yesterday and Rangers must hope he gets himself up to full speed as soon as possible.

"They don't have time to ease him in gently. They need players who can hit the ground running and are ready to go flat-out from now until the end of the season.

"Because one thing's for sure.

"Celtic are now the pacesetters.

"They are the best team in the league right now and it's up to Rangers to catch them."

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