Celtic are gearing up for a final push in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup with the expectation that it’ll be fine margins that decide the direction of silverware.
Less than three points separate Celtic and Rangers in the league with just eight games remaining. Both clubs are also favourites to make it to a showpiece Hampden final in May.
Two derbies are on the cards in the Scottish Premiership, one at Celtic Park and the other at Ibrox. It’s easy to understand why some think this title race is going to go down to the last day.
Should it be so close? There’s been tension amongst some of the Bhoys supporters that it’s a race far more competitive than it should have been.
With Rangers getting off to a sluggish start and changing manager, as well as losing the first two league derbies, the opportunity was there for Celtic to dominate another season.
Chris Sutton talks up Celtic injury returns
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton reckons that if one player – Reo Hatate – had stayed fit this season, the Bhoys would be ‘streets ahead’ of their rivals right now.
The Japanese midfielder is closing in on a return to action for the first time since January. He’s made just seven starts in an injury-hit season. Sutton’s feeling is that he can now provide a big boost to Celtic’s title bid.
Speaking to the Daily Record [30/03 print edition], he said: “I get the fears from some that these players shouldn’t be risked with Rangers around the corner. But this is no time to be wrapping anyone in cotton wool. If they’re fit they need to be on the pitch to be ready for next week. And Celtic simply cannot afford to drop any points ahead of Ibrox against a Livingston side destined to go down.
“McGregor has been out for five weeks and we don’t know how hard he’s been able to train. Rodgers says he won’t be risked this weekend but it’s going to be tough if he’s only had three weeks on the exercise bike and then into a derby.
“He could do with minutes – and even more so for Hatate. He’s been a massive miss this season. I’d go so far as to say if he was fit all this time, Celtic would still be streets ahead in the title race.
“Hatate is the one who brings something different to the midfield and while I accept he can sometimes take time to get back in the groove after being out, he can still produce the moments you need in the major games.”
Celtic can still deliver the success that fans crave
That’s probably an oversimplification on Sutton’s part to explain the situation Celtic are currently in but Hatate is undoubtedly a game-changer in that midfield when on top form.
Whether it’s sluggish transfer activity, Rodgers’ tactics, injuries or player underperformance that has brought the Bhoys to this point – or a combination of it all – there’s still time for Celtic to ensure this season is a success.
The squad knows that if they put together a winning run at this stage of the campaign then they will be champions again. There’s little point lamenting a lost opportunity when there’s still so much to play for.
Eyes on the prize, Celtic!