Former Rangers star Alan Hutton reckons Ibrox boss Michael Beale is playing "mind games" with Ange Postecoglou as he looks to derail Celtic this season.
Beale has branded his Parkhead counterpart "a lucky man" over his transfer spending power and after receiving a response from the Australian doubled down on the jibe stating that Celtic had outspent Steven Gerrard's Rangers already during the Postecoglou era. The Premiership-winning boss was backed by the Hoops' board as he rebuilt the side following the disastrous final campaign under Neil Lennon - which saw the title brought to Ibrox and the club finish without a trophy.
But the likes of Kris Ajer, Odsonne Edouard and Josip Juranovic have all left the club for bumper transfer fees during his tenure to fund that overhaul. While Beale made his first addition as Rangers boss, bringing Todd Cantwell to Edmiston Drive from Norwich, Hutton concedes Celtic are in a strong position.
The former Light Blues' full-back told Football Insider: “I think it is just a little bit of mind games (over the lucky man claims). Celtic are nine points in front, it seems like everybody they bring in hits the ground running and does really well.
“Maybe a case of that or maybe it is a little cry to the board to say Celtic are strengthening, they are in a place of power at the moment and if we want to get to that level then we need to spend. It could be a little bit of both of those things.
“I understand it, it always goes on in football especially when you are chasing Celtic down. I get what he is saying but I understand why Celtic are probably getting a bit annoyed with it.“
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