Ex- Celtic forward Scott McDonald insists his former side had a better season than Rangers last time out.
The Aussie reckons there is no other way to look at it after comparing the two Glasgow club's 2021/22 campaigns.
However he believes the margin between the sides is closer than the four-point gap suggested - with the Glasgow rivals "neck and neck" heading into the new season.
The striker concedes that he could be accused of bias, but believes winning both the Premiership and Premier Sports Cup gives Celtic the bragging rights over the Ibrox side.
Gio van Bronckhorst 's men lifted the Scottish Cup as well as reaching the Europa League Final, with the successes sparking a debate over who enjoyed the better season.
But the former Hoops player doesn't reckon it is even a conversation, using the fact that the league title guaranteeing Champions League group stage football next season as proof of his point.
Speaking on Go Radio, he said: "Celtic had the better season. They won two trophies, Rangers won one.
"They’re into the Champions League and get that money, Rangers still have to do that."
Despite the debate, McDonald reckons the 2022/23 campaign is going to be good battle, with both sides finishing off last season in good form.
With Cameron Carter-Vickers already putting pen to paper at Parkhead and Rangers looking to boost their squad, too, McDonald believes the Gers boss' reaction after his side's 3-0 defeat in his first Old Firm is proof the Light Blues can kick on and challenge again.
He added: "It's good for Scottish football though, with the success both teams have had. Rangers in Europa has been great and promoting Scottish football and getting coefficient points up there.
"People will say I'm biased and it's not to say Giovanni hasn't done an excellent job as well.
"It's neck and neck at the moment. When Celtic beat Rangers in that first game when van Bronckhorst took over, you're asking if he's got the answers to Celtic and come back.
"He was outthought in the game and he's come back and shown he's more than capable from a tactical perspective to challenge Celtic.
"It was neck and neck out with that game, there wasn't many points dropped and I think it's going to be tight next season and exciting to watch."
