BRENDAN RODGERS will not be giving a jot about Celtic’s bid for nine successive titles this season.
That’s the stark verdict of former Hoops striking hero Chris Sutton as the Irishman concentrates on Leicester City, the Midlands outfit he joined in February after his sudden departure from the champions.
There has been criticism of Rodgers after he allowed Premier League-winning midfielder Andy King to join Steven Gerrard on a season-long loan at Ibrox.
But Sutton insists the man who led the team to seven domestic honours in two-and-a-half years will NOT be too bothered about how events unfold across the border in the race for silverware.
The Englishman, speaking in the Daily Record, said: “Andy King might not have had a sniff at Leicester for a couple of years, but he’s got experience and will give further options.
“I don’t buy the suggestion it’s Brendan Rodgers putting the boot into his old club. I doubt he even cares.
“It’s a chance for a player he sees surplus to requirements to go out and get games and how it affects the Scottish title race won’t matter a jot to him.”
Sutton, Martin O’Neill’s first signing for the Bhoys in the summer of 2000 when he arrived on a £6million transfer from Chelsea, warned his old club they should pay heed to what is happening at Ibrox.
He added: “You have to say there is a different feel to this Rangers side this time around.
“Steven Gerrard’s team look a credible threat and anyone at Parkhead who doesn’t recognise that could be in for a heck of a shock.
“Thumping Midtjylland 7-3 over two legs was hugely impressive. Even more so when you put it into context with Celtic’s abject failure the other night.
“The Danes looked pretty limited, but they are still ranked way above Cluj in the UEFA standings and Rangers put them to the sword with little fuss.
“The side has a much better balance and they have goals in the team.”
Neil Lennon will take his players across Glasgow for the first derby encounter of the campaign on Sunday, September 1.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Dunfermline this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
