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da bet7： They always say that the next match or the next trophy is the most important but for John Hartson a 2019 SPFL title win would be the sweetest of Celtic’s current run.
Neil Lennon started the sequence off before Ronny Deila took control. When things looked a little stormy Brendan Rodgers was drafted in to kick off an incredible spell of domestic success.
The Irishman quickly put out the challenge offered by Mark Warburton with Pedro Mendes unable to last a season and the unfortunate Graeme Murty left to pick up the pieces on both occasions.
This season Rangers raised the stakes considerably when they appointed Steven Gerrard. After winning the December Old Firm derby to draw level on points Jermain Defoe and Steve Davis were recruited but since the turn of the year Celtic have opened up an eight point advantage at the top of the table.
It’s 34 years since the league title last went outside of Glasgow and Hartson believes that the hype around their city rivals will make success this season something for Celtic to savour.
He told the Evening Times:
“If Celtic go on now and win the title, it’ll be the sweetest one of the last eight.
“This season was the season that Rangers really thought they had a chance. There was all the fanfare when Stevie Gerrard came in over the summer – and a time when Celtic were beset by a summer of frustration and public disharmony.
“Then there was that defeat at Ibrox at the end of December. I don’t think I have seen Celtic play so meekly in a long time against Rangers. So that fed fresh hope to the Ibrox support.
“And then there was the January transfer window with the arrival of Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe which caused all manner of excitement. And then all of a sudden, you get to February and Celtic are eight points clear at the top.”
The scenes at the final whistle on Sunday might suggest otherwise but no one at Celtic will be celebrating a title success in February.
That will change if the current lead is extended after the March 31 Glasgow derby but after losing four matches before the new year, Rodgers won’t let complacency anywhere near his squad.