Celtic warned by English pundit about ‘overboard celebrations’ amid ‘runaway’ Rangers claim
Celtic must remain focused on keeping pace with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership despite “taking the pressure off” with their League Cup win, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Gers could “run away” with the title if the Hoops drop points in the coming weeks.
Celtic claimed the first trophy of the season after coming from behind to beat Hibernian 2-1 in the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden on Sunday (19 December).
As quoted by club media post-match, Postecoglou admitted the Hoops “still have a lot of growth” ahead, but claimed “if we keep showing the same sort of resilience then we can do it [win the title].”
Whelan insisted the Celtic players will be “hungry” after getting a “taste of success” on Sunday.
“It takes some pressure off the manager,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Like he said post-match, Celtic are a club who deserve silverware – and he’s got the first tick in the box there.
“Winning a trophy can go one of two ways. You can go overboard with the celebrations, and it can affect your league form. We’ve seen that happen a few times.
“What they have to do now is go straight back with the focus on keeping up with Rangers in the league. One or two poor results and Rangers could run away with it.
“They’ve had a taste of success now, and they’ll want more. All winning players have that mentality.
“Getting the first trophy under their belts is a great start for the manager and his staff. I’m sure they’ll be hungry for more this season.”
Celtic are seven points adrift of Rangers atop the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand.
The two sides meet on 2 January.
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