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Davie Provan reckons Celtic are virtually unbeatable domestically

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers celebrates his team's win at Ibrox
Image: Davie Provan has been impressed by the impact Brendan Rodgers has had since taking over at Celtic

Former Celtic winger Davie Provan believes Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers has created a formidable squad.

Since taking over from Ronny Deila in the summer, Rodgers has yet to lose any of his 29 domestic games, with Celtic savouring a 19th consecutive Premiership victory on Sunday.

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Substitute Moussa Dembele scored a hat-trick as Celtic extended their unbeaten run to 29 games with a 5-2 win over St Johnstone

The only blip in the domestic campaign was a 2-2 draw in the league away to Inverness CT in September, and the pair meet again on Saturday, this time in the Scottish Cup at Celtic Park.

Provan won the Scottish Cup twice as a player with Celtic in 1980 and 1985, when he scored one of the goals in a 2-1 victory over Dundee United.

Celtic celebrate winning the Betfred Scottish League Cup final
Image: Celtic celebrate winning the Betfred Scottish League Cup final

The Sky Sports pundit reckons an Inverness victory at the weekend would "probably" be as big a shock as their 3-1 victory at Celtic Park in 2000, when they were in the league below their hosts.

"The other thing Celtic have in their favour now is that some teams feel they are already beaten as they walk out the tunnel with this Celtic side," said the former Scotland winger.

Davie Provan celebrates Celtic's Scottish Cup success in 1985
Image: Provan celebrates Celtic's Scottish Cup success in 1985

"I think the psychology has changed. Some teams coming to Glasgow last season always felt they could beat Ronny Deila's side if they were off it at all.

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"I am not sure that is the case now. Celtic are so far ahead that a lot of opponents now feel that they are almost wasting their time. The way Celtic are going at the moment, like a juggernaut, it is almost impossible to see past them.

Alex Fisher's late goal in September's 2-2 draw still irks Brendan Rodgers
Image: Alex Fisher scores a late goal as Inverness CT earn a 2-2 draw with Celtic

"Under Ronny Deila they would have off days where they weren't at it at all. Brendan Rodgers can't stand for an ounce of complacency. They are so up for it, so motivated, you can't see past them."

While Celtic are imperious on the field as they chase a domestic treble, having won the League Cup final against Aberdeen and on course to retain the title in early March, the club are also going from strength to strength off the pitch.

The Scottish champions revealed their interim report on Monday which showed income in the first half of the season almost doubled to £61.2m compared to the previous year.

Davie Provan is impressed by Celtic on and off the pitch
Image: Provan is impressed by Celtic on and off the pitch

Improved commercial deals, Champions League revenue and the arrival of Rodgers have all contributed to the impressive financial results.

Provan said: "And again, the figures are terrific that Celtic have announced and it is all down to Brendan Rodgers, let's make that clear.

"It's down to bringing in a top manager, getting into the Champions League and getting the money that is there. He has proved so far he is top bracket. The worry is he is flagging himself up to clubs in England."

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