Paul Lambert is tipping Celtic for the title after their midweek derby win – because he’s never seen such a heartless Old Firm display by Rangers.
The former Parkhead hero was stunned at how poor the champions were in Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat.
Lambert says the Ibrox men couldn’t cope with the passion at Parkhead and claims they could crumble again in front of their own fans this afternoon if Hearts get off to a good start.
He said: “In all my years I can’t remember ever seeing any derby where Rangers didn’t do a single positive thing during it until this week.
“I’d watched Rangers draw 3-3 in Dingwall last weekend and thought they looked well short.
“But I wasn’t prepared for what I saw against Celtic.
“Right from the kick-off I thought that the atmosphere – and there isn’t another like it in Britain – had got to the Rangers players. No aggression, no tracking back – nothing. They were so passive it wasn’t true.
“The first rule on these occasions is to stamp your authority on the game.
“Everything Celtic did was quick and urgent while Rangers just kept backing off them. Without Allan McGregor it would have been 7-0.
“Rangers looked like a small team. They were lightweight and lacking in physicality and they were a country mile off the pace.
“You either thrive on occasions like that or you buckle under the tension.
“Well, if those players think that playing in front of 60,000 Celtic fans is hard, try doing your stuff in front of 50,000 of your own fans if things aren’t going to plan.
“I can’t see Celtic losing the title now. They are only going to get better. Postecoglou’s recruitment has been excellent and they’ve so many quality players to come back.”
