Wednesday 7 September 2016 11:36, UK
Davie Provan predicts a comfortable Celtic win against Rangers in Saturday's Glasgow derby and feels Rangers are "not up to speed" yet this season.
The fierce rivals have not played each other in the league for four years but Rangers upset the odds in last season's Scottish Cup semi-final, beating the Bhoys on penalties.
Under new manager Brendan Rodgers, Celtic have qualified for the Champions League group stage and top the Premiership with three straight wins, a point clear of the Gers who have played one game more.
And Provan, who played for Celtic from 1978 to 1987, believes his former club will hold local bragging rights after Saturday's noon showdown, live on Sky Sports.
"On the evidence of what we've seen so far this season I think Rangers are less of a threat than what I anticipated," he told Sky Sports Now.
"Given the players that Mark Warburton brought in over the summer, given how well Rangers played in the Scottish Cup semi-final, I thought Rangers might run Celtic close.
"The circumstances have changed greatly since that game because Ronny Deila has gone, Brendan Rodgers has come in.
"The whole place has taken a massive lift from not only Brendan's appointment but also qualifying for the Champions League which should make the financial gap between the clubs even greater.
"Rangers, it's fair to say, have been less than impressive in their league games so far. Yes they're unbeaten but they're still not up to speed.
"Warburton has to hope that his boys can give him a very similar performance to the Scottish Cup semi-final of last season. If Rangers are off it at all at the weekend then I think Celtic will win it with quite a bit to spare."
