Martin O’Neill is shocked that Rangers have started the season so behind Celtic.
But despite the Hoops and surprise package Aberdeen commanding a six point lead over their fierce rivals in the Scottish Premiership title race, the former Celtic manager has warned against any complacency setting in.
Brendan Rodgers' men were two-nil up against Aberdeen on Saturday before the Dons pegged the game back level in the second half and managed to become the first team this season to take points off the reigning champions.
O'Neill won five trophies during his five years at Celtic between 2000 and 2005, including a domestic treble in his first campaign. And even though he evidently thrived off of getting the upper-hand on Rangers, he admits having a strong Ibrox team can only benefit Celtic long-term.
That's because they can push the Parkhead club to maintain high standards which can hopefully be transferred into European competitions.
“No, I cannot,” the ex-Celtic boss told talkSPORT when asked if he could believe the current problems at Rangers, who were beaten by Kilmarnock on Sunday.
“I don't know the individuals you are talking about. What you can do is comment on the side that they have and the results that they are getting. That has been going on for some time. There has to be an improvement.
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“Even looking at it from a Celtic viewpoint, hopefully, Brendan would agree with me here, for Celtic to remain strong, really, really strong, you need a strong Rangers.
“I have often said, while I might not have admitted that during the time I was the manager, it is very important, so that Celtic keep focused.
“If Rangers are so poor, if you thought Aberdeen were going to be your nearest challenger, with the greatest respect, then you would think, over a whole season, you would automatically think you could win."
