Sport nationAlistair Johnston, Celtic’s full-back, has issued a warning to Rangers, stating that the Scottish Premiership title race is far from over, despite Celtic’s 14-point lead.
Johnston emphasized that Celtic will not take their foot off the gas and will continue to push for victories, starting with the upcoming Old Firm derby at Ibrox. He acknowledged that the 14-point lead is a good sign, but cautioned that leads can evaporate quickly.
The defender reflected on Celtic’s impressive 2024 record, with only two defeats in 50 matches, and expressed his determination to maintain the team’s momentum. He also highlighted the importance of the squad’s depth and the manager’s ability to rotate players.
“It’s still just about to be January, and it’s still too early to be looking at a league table in my opinion,” Johnston said. “No matter what the point gap is, as long as we focus on ourselves, we feel really comfortable that we can take care of business.”
Johnston, who has yet to taste defeat in 11 Old Firm games, acknowledged the unique challenge of playing at Ibrox without away fans. However, he expressed his hope that this will be the last time away fans are shut out of the match.
“Hopefully, it’s not the last one,” Johnston said. “I bet the police are hoping it’s not the last one! When I got dropped into that one two years ago, we must have had 750 fans in there. When we equalized pretty late, you could just see what it meant to them.”
Johnston emphasized the importance of fan support in the Old Firm derby, stating that the absence of away fans takes away from the atmosphere and the game.
“Football is about the fans,” Johnston said. “It’s not really the same, home or away, without away support. I think it’s something everyone wants back in this match.”
The Celtic player’s comments come as Rangers face increasing pressure, with manager Philippe Clement’s future uncertain. The Light Blues are 14 points behind Celtic, and a defeat at Ibrox could further exacerbate the situation.
Rangers’ struggles have led to speculation about Clement’s future, with some calling for his dismissal. However, Johnston refused to get drawn into the debate, instead focusing on Celtic’s own goals and aspirations.
The Old Firm derby is always a highly anticipated match, and this encounter promises to be no exception. With Celtic looking to extend their lead and Rangers desperate to close the gap, the stage is set for an intense and thrilling contest.
Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, will be looking to his team to maintain their momentum and secure a vital victory at Ibrox. The Hoops have been in impressive form, with a 14-point lead at the top of the table, and will be confident of securing a positive result against their rivals.
Rangers, on the other hand, will be desperate to get back on track after a disappointing run of results. The Light Blues have struggled to find consistency, and a defeat at Ibrox could have significant consequences for Clement’s future.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure a vital victory. Celtic will be looking to extend their lead and take a significant step towards securing the Scottish Premiership title, while Rangers will be desperate to get back on track and close the gap on their rivals.
Sport nation
Amina Umar