Rangers legend explains why Celtic still hold an advantage in title race | OneFootball

Celtic may have endured a bruising week, but Rangers legend Ian Durrant insists Martin O’Neill’s side remain the benchmark their rivals are chasing.

Ryan Naderi of the Rangers celebrates scoring the only goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Hoops have suffered three consecutive defeats, including two against Rangers, with a 3-0 Premier Sports Cup loss at Ibrox followed by a 1-0 Premiership defeat at Celtic Park on Sunday.

Ferencvaros also inflicted a painful 3-1 Europa League defeat in between, with Celtic’s alarming run allowing Rangers to cut the gap at the top of the Premiership to just two points.

Despite the recent shift in momentum, Durrant is refusing to suggest there has been a changing of the guard and believes Celtic’s experience still gives them an advantage over their rivals.

Durrant said via PLZ Soccer: “Celtic, they are the benchmark for where Rangers are trying to get to.

“It’s good just now, but there are a lot of tough games ahead.

“You’ve got to go to Tynecastle, which has not been really good for us in the last few years. We’ve been to Aberdeen, we’ve been to Celtic, massive games.

“A couple of weeks ago, they had a few major injuries, but now they seem to have gotten over that and the boys, Kevin Kelsy and Ryan Naderi, have turned up, and they’re doing a man’s job.

“We’re still chasing Celtic. As I said, they’re the team to beat.

“Rangers have not got that experience just now. Rangers are playing well just now, but Celtic have got that experience, players that have been over the course.”

Durrant also warned that “nothing’s given out in September” and insisted Rangers must now build on their recent momentum by putting together a sustained run and attempting to “hang on to Celtic”.

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