Celtic will 'come unstuck' before the end of the season, says Andy Walker
Wednesday 21 December 2016 13:02, UK
Andy Walker believes it is unrealistic to think Celtic will go through the Scottish Premiership season without losing a match.
The Hoops, chasing a sixth successive title, have shed just two points in 17 matches and boast a 14-point lead over Glasgow rivals Rangers with a game in hand.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has had the luxury of making wholesale changes to his side over the last three matches, matches against Hamilton, Dundee and Partick Thistle that the Bhoys won by a single-goal margin.
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Despite their commanding advantage atop the table, Walker, who enjoyed two spells with Celtic in the 1980s and 1990s, is convinced an 'invincible campaign' is beyond them.
Speaking to Sky Sports Now, he said: "I think it is unrealistic and I don't think that will happen. Everyone has been very impressed with Celtic this season and their level of consistency has surprised everyone.
"Brendan Rodgers has made a terrific impact, they won last night against Thistle with probably their best player this season - Scott Sinclair - getting the goal.
"It's not just that. They won the League Cup recently and only one of those players signed by Brendan Rodgers played in that game, so I think he has lifted the likes of James Forrest and Tom Rogic while Stuart Armstrong is a different player.
"They will eventually come unstuck but I don't think they will lose a lot of games this season. I think everything revolves around the Champions League for Brendan Rodgers. That's the key for him and that's where he wants to develop as a coach and where he wants his players to develop.
"Even if they lose against Rangers on Hogmanay, Celtic will go on and win the title anyway. But the biggest games for them are the Champions League qualifiers and that is why I think they will strengthen in January."
Celtic now face a trip to Hamilton on Saturday - live on Sky Sports - and a home match against Ross County next midweek before bringing the curtain down on the year with a Ne'erday showdown against Rangers at Ibrox.
While last season's Championship winners will be looking for revenge following their 5-1 mauling at Celtic Park on September 10, Walker believes Celtic will have their sights set on greater things next summer.
"I think rangers have improved. It's a bigger game for them. It's not key for Celtic but just another one they would be desperate to win after beating them 5-1 at home," he said.
"This match won't define Celtic's season. That has been defined by them being in the Champions League and having a new manager in, making progress and they already have one eye on qualification for the Champions League next season.
"I think Brendan Rodgers will ensure Dermot Desmond (majority shareholder) will release some money to spend in January and I think for Rangers it is important that they make a statement to their supporters and to show they are getting much closer to Celtic.
"I think in recent weeks, having beaten Aberdeen and Hearts, they have certainly improved. They have changed their style and are a bit more direct and it's going to be a fabulous occasion yet again and one I am looking forward to."
Rangers boss Mark Warburton has been linked with the England U21 position, but Walker is convinced the task of closing the gap on Celtic will see him stick it out in Glasgow.
Fans have questioned the former City trader's summer recruits and Warburton will be keen to dabble in the January transfer window, should chairman Dave King make funds available.
Warburton has already lost the services of Joey Barton, Niko Kranjcar is out for the season with a knee injury while fellow arrivals Jordan Rossiter and Matt Crooks have had little game time due to injuries.
"I'd be amazed if he left Rangers now," added Walker. "I know he found it difficult initially and he had that problem with Joey Barton but to manage a club of that size you don't give it up easily, especially if you have moved from a club like Brentford.
"I know he has found it a bit spooky, the intensity of every single decision he makes whether on the training ground or at the game it is magnified so much up here but I would be amazed if he wanted to move from Glasgow. I think he's enjoying life here and there is certainly a lot of work to do to get closer to Celtic.
"Anyone who thought Rangers could win the title at the start of the season was being very unrealistic. Celtic are quite some distance ahead of them, and everyone else at the moment.
"Financially they are very strong and now they have released some serious money in Scottish terms to give Brendan Rodgers money to spend and then of course you have the Champions League money Celtic get in again that pushes them further away from Rangers and the rest.
"But of course, when you are a Rangers manager you have to show that you are capable of matching Celtic and that is the demands that Mark Warburton has. I think it would be better if Dave King (chairman) gave him some money to spend in January but who knows how realistic that is."
