Celtic v Rangers: Andy Walker gives nod to Hoops ahead of derby
Saturday 10 September 2016 14:42, UK
Andy Walker believes Brendan Rodgers' recent acquisitions give Celtic the edge over Rangers on Saturday.
The sides meet for the first time at Celtic Park this season - in front of the Sky Sports cameras - and former Hoops striker Walker feels the level of player added to his squad by Rodgers tips the balance in the home side's favour.
Since arriving in Glasgow, former Liverpool boss Rodgers has brought in Kolo Toure, Scott Sinclair, Moussa Dembele, Cristian Gamboa and Dorus de Vries from the top two flights of English football.
De Vries has played only 90 minutes, against Aberdeen last month, and Gamboa has yet to figure for Celtic but the others have played leading roles in securing top spot in the Premiership and a place in the lucrative stages of the Champions League.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Walker, who played with Celtic over two spells in the 1980s and 90s, said: "The problem for Rangers is they have come up as title winners from the Championship and are expected to compete with Celtic immediately. I think that is unrealistic.
"Celtic have had a number of years to be financially in a better place in terms of their recruitment of experienced players, of Champions League players, and I think that gives them the edge. And that really is where the pressure comes from."
Former Rangers and Scotland winger Neil McCann has echoed Walker's views, insisting Rangers manager Mark Warburton must find a way to put the shackles on the home side's attack.
Sinclair, a £3.5m signing from Aston Villa, has scored four goals already this season and while leading scorer Leigh Griffiths, with seven to his name, is rated a doubtful starter, Rodgers can turn to former Fulham striker Dembele to lead the line.
Speaking to Sky Sports from pitchside at Celtic Park, McCann said: "Celtic this season are equipped with real pace. The addition of Sinclair has increased the danger levels to the opposition.
"So Mark Warburton has got a real decision to make, first of all with personnel and then the way that personnel is deployed.
Live SPFL Football
"But that's what he is paid the big bucks for and thats what brings the pressure he seems to enjoy."
