Kris Commons: Rangers 'nowhere near' having players needed for title challenge

Celtic midfielder Kris Commons says he does not think Rangers will be a threat to Celtic next season, even if they are promoted back into the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers’ fortunes have improved since the appointment of Stuart McCall and the new manager is still unbeaten after five matches in charge.

Sunday’s 2-1 win over runaway Scottish Championship winners Hearts took Rangers into second place above Hibernian, and they could be on course to fight their way back into the top flight via the play-offs.

However, Celtic are on the verge of claiming a fourth successive Premier League title and Commons is not sure any newly-promoted sides will be in a position to battle them for the title next term.

Asked if he thought Rangers would be able to make an immediate challenge, Commons said: “It's hard to say. First of all, they have got to get up.

"Secondly, they have got to sign some players that are worthy of challenging us. I think they are nowhere near that at the minute.

"That's all ifs and buts. That might take six months, it might take six weeks.

"But, when any new manager comes in, no matter how good or bad, you will get a reaction from players wanting to make an impression. I think that's why they have had a little turn in events.

“But, for me, commenting on them making a challenge, it is the same as talking about Hearts. We played them twice this year and beat them convincingly.

"So, it will be difficult, I'd say."

Commons was speaking at the launch of the Cheque Centre PFA Scotland player of the year awards.

Commenting on (Rangers) making a challenge, it is the same as talking about Hearts. We played them twice this year and beat them convincingly. So, it will be difficult, I'd say.

He is unable to vote for any of his Celtic team mates and is therefore planning to back 25-goal Aberdeen striker Adam Rooney.

"I'll be voting for Rooney," said Commons. "When you are scoring 20-plus goals a season, you always need a special mention.

"But this year will probably be the closest vote for many years. There's been no stand-out candidate that has excelled in every game.

"If I could vote for a Celtic player, I'd probably go for (goalkeeper) Craig Gordon, just because of the level of performance he has produced from where he was.

"To be out of the game for two years with career-threatening injuries and come back is a credit to how hard he has worked.

"It's a fairytale story when you consider where he was two years ago. He was released by Sunderland but was on the verge of playing Champions League football this year. That's phenomenal.

"He had huge boots to fill when Fraser Forster left but made the transition seamless. He has made some incredible saves and kept us in games at times this season.”