Jackie McNamara reckons Celtic will seal the Scottish Premiership title if they see off Rangers on Saturday - but has warned the Parkhead stars against considering the game a "free hit"
Ange Postecoglou’s league leaders are nine points clear of bitter rivals Rangers heading into the hotly-anticipated clash, having lost just once so far in the league this season. The Hoops have held bragging rights over their Glasgow rivals so far this term, and Michael Beale is searching for his first victory over Celtic after Rangers failed to stop the Parkhead side lifting the Viaplay Cup after their league draw back in January.
Postecoglou is on course for a domestic clean sweep with a Treble firmly in the thoughts of the Parkhead support, and former captain McNamara reckons that even if Rangers claim three points at Celtic Park a league title fightback would be a big ask. However, the confident Scotland cap reckons his old team need to go in with the right attitude to land a knockout title race blow.
He said: “If they win on Saturday, that will be it. A gap of 12 points, the goal difference as well, and with the games remaining you can’t see Celtic slipping up to that extent.
“It is already a big ask now for Rangers, if that is extended it is going to be a difficult one. Rangers need to win the match if they are to have any chance of catching Celtic.
“Celtic will go into the match as favourites because they are at home with the whole crowd as there are no away fans. It is like an extra man for the players. It’s a big ask for Rangers to come there and beat them.
“But it is not a free hit, you don’t get free hits in these games, the pressure is always on both sets of players because of the support and the attention it will receive around the world. You are conscious of that as a player, all eyes are on you, millions of people want you to get the right result.
“Celtic have been very strong, winning the League Cup, they have only lost one game in the league this season earlier in the season to St Mirren. There is a really strong mentality that Ange has created.
"They look really strong even when they have players out. They are going well in the Scottish Cup; the treble is on and that will be Ange’s aim to achieve that.”
The eScottish Football Cup is taking place at Hampden Park over 20th/21st May, with up to 75 clubs from across the country competing for a prize pool of £50,000.
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