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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Liam Bryce

Michael Stewart senses Rangers 'big ask' from here as he talks up 4 reasons why Celtic shouldn't blink

Pundit Michael Stewart believes Celtic will go from strength to strength in the wake of their 3-0 trouncing overs rivals Rangers.

And Neil McCann conceded the new Premiership leaders implemented the perfect game plan to leave the champions dazed and confused.

Ange Postecoglou 's side leapfrogged their great rivals during a signature night on home turf as Reo Hatate bagged a brace and Liel Abada scored again during a blockbuster first 45 minutes.

Stewart reckons there's no reason for Celtic to have doubts with the likes of Kyogo and Tom Rogic set to return.

And he was warned Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst that vast improvements must be sought if they are to seize back control.

Speaking on Sportscene, he said: "This season is unfolding very nicely for Celtic at the moment.

"I don't think anyone would have envisaged they would be in this position, with the strength and depth they've got the squad now and players to come back.

"When you think the fact Rogic, Jullien, Turnbull and Kyogo are not in that squad, they are looking very strong.

"The momentum is well and truly with them now. It's a nice prospect for Celtic.

"For, Rangers, they have got big some questions they need to answer, that's four games after the winter break and they have only won one of them.

"It's a big, big ask for Rangers to come back from this now."

McCann extolled the virtues of Celtic after the match and he reckons Postecoglou's side produced a flawless first 45 minutes against their biggest rivals.

And he reckons only veteran keeper Allan McGregor stopped Rangers from further humiliation at the home of their greatest rivals.

He said: "For the first 45 minutes, it's as good as I've seen a side implement a game plan.

"On the flip side of that, it's as poor as I've seen a side implement it against Celtic, in terms of the stature of Rangers going to Celtic Park.

"Ange Postecoglou must be given a great deal of credit here, he is demanding an enormous amount of drive from this side.

"I think they gassed a little bit in the game but it is totally understandable.

"It's scary when he thinks Hatate isn't fit enough, unbelievable.

"The way they move, they've got a real way of playing, a style of football under Ange Postecoglou. It was so effective.

"Let's be honest, if it wasn't for Allan McGregor, the first half could have ended, 5. 6."

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