Celtic handed big boost thanks to Rangers after ‘super important’ news – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Rangers’ European exploits have boosted Celtic in the Premiership title race this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aberdeen striker admitted the Bhoys have been able to keep their top stars “raring to go” compared to their Glasgow rivals.
As quoted by the Scotsman (12 April), Ange Postecoglou claimed his side’s squad depth has been “super important” this term, with many players acting as backup to the senior side.
Celtic saw their Europa League campaign end in December, while Rangers qualified for the semi-finals on Thursday night.
However, Whelan suggested the Light Blues’ success has actually helped the Bhoys on the domestic stage.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think the fact Rangers prolonged their stay in Europe and Celtic were knocked out might have fallen into Celtic’s hands, quite frankly.
“I know you want to be in Europe. You want to push on in these best competitions as far as you possibly can.
“But I think when you’re looking at the rest and recuperation Celtic are getting, there’s strength in depth.
“The fact that they’ve got all their important players raring to go, fresh, I think being successful in Europe, sometimes plays into the opposition’s hands.
“It’s taken its toll. They travelled the week before, they come back again, they get the win but then they’ve got to go again on a Thursday evening in Europe. It’s then not long before their next game.
“When you look at it from Celtic’s point of view, they should be a lot fresher than Rangers.”
The Bhoys currently sit six points clear at the top of the Premiership table with five games left to play.
The Glasgow rivals face each other in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final.
In other news, pundit claims Postecoglou knows he’s lying after Celtic transfer claim.