CHRIS SUTTON has written off Celtic’s chances of winning the title.
The former Hoops striker is far from convinced about the threat from his old team – and even believes Danny Rohl’s Ibrox outfit are more qualified to lift the silverware.
The comments from Sutton, Martin O’Neill’s first-ever signing for the club in the summer of 2000 at the cost of £6million from Chelsea, will undoubtedly attract a fiery response from those of a Celtic persuasion.
With four games to go, the Govan outfit, beaten 3-2 at home by Motherwell at the weekend, are one point behind the champions and four adrift of leaders Hearts who will provide the opposition for their next game at Tynecastle on Monday evening.
IN WITH A SHOUT…Martin O’Neill gets a message across to his players.
O’Neill’s team are scheduled to face Hibs at Easter Road in the midday kick-off on Sunday.
Despite some bookies making Celtic favourites to claim their fifth successive championship, Sutton, who won a treble in his debut season at Parkhead, doesn’t believe the Hoops will be in pole position when the league campaign comes to a halt on May 16.
Asked on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club whether he thought Rohl’s side have more of chance than Celtic of lifting the silverware, the one-time England international forward didn’t hesitate to provide an answer.
Sutton replied: “Yes. Bearing in mind Celtic haven’t beaten them [in the league]and they’ve got to go to Celtic Park and it wouldn’t be a great surprise [if Rangers won].
“Celtic are finding a way, but I do not think that’s sustainable.
“I watch Celtic every week. Even on Saturday night against Falkirk, they just aren’t convincing.
“At this moment under Martin O’Neill, they are finding a way, but I don’t believe, and I’ve maintained this for a while, that Celtic can win these remaining four games. I really don’t believe it.”
BIG MOUTH…Chris Sutton yells in joy after scoring a winner against Rangers.
Sutton continued: “I’m not sure Celtic will go to Hibs and get a result. They won there earlier this season, but Hibs beat and drew with them at Parkhead.
“Celtic haven’t beaten Hearts and Rangers [in the league]all season.”
Sutton insisted it would not reflect particularly well on Scottish football if O’Neill, in his second interim stint after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, led the team to the flag 22 years after he won it in his first time around career at Parkhead.
He added: “I don’t think it would necessarily be a great look – they’ve been through three managers this season.
“Martin O’Neill’s been in twice in these emergency roles. Some Celtic fans are saying it would be the greatest title triumph ever, when they’ve been that bad, to get it over the line.”
Sutton clearly doesn’t agree.
Over to you, Martin and the Bhoys, to prove him wrong.
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