Celtic have unexpected ‘upper hand’ over Rangers after ‘huge’ development – pundit
Celtic may have gained the “upper hand” over title rivals Rangers after bowing out of the Europa Conference League, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, conceded the Hoops will be “disappointed” to have exited the competition.
Celtic were dumped out of the all-new competition at the Round of 32 stage on Thursday (24 February) after a 5-1 aggregate defeat against Norweigan champions Bodo/Glimt.
Meanwhile, Rangers will face Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League Round of 16 after coming through a two-legged playoff against German giants Borussia Dortmund.
Whelan claimed the Gers’ ongoing participation could give Celtic an “extra boost” in the fight to reclaim the Scottish Premiership.
“I think now they’re out of the competition it’ll probably give them that little bit more focus on the Premiership,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“They’ve already won a trophy this season, so silverware is already in the bag. However, they’ll be disappointed to go out and with the manner of their defeat – they really let themselves down in both legs.
“At the same time, they’ve got the upper hand in the league and Rangers are still in Europe after their huge win. That could take the focus off the league for them, so it could play into Celtic’s hands.
“Big clubs will want to win every competition they’re in, but now they’re out they could well have that upper hand and extra boost in this title fight.”
Tomorrow, the Hoops face Hibernian while Rangers face Motherwell.
Celtic are three points clear of the Ibrox club atop the Scottish Premiership.
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