Old Firm: Are Celtic ‘much stronger’ or can Rangers compete in derby?

Martin O’Neill and Graeme Souness both make Celtic favourites for Sunday’s first Old Firm derby of the season.

But the former managers of Glasgow’s behemoths quickly diverge thereafter.

O’Neill reckons the gulf is huge, while Souness believes his old team are not so far behind.

“The game could go either way but, in the big picture over the course of the season, Celtic are definitely much stronger than Rangers,” said O’Neill, who picked up seven trophies during his time at the helm at Celtic Park from 2000–2005.

“Yes, Celtic have the stronger squad,” agreed Souness, who took seven pieces of silverware back to Ibrox from 1986-91.

“But names on team sheets don’t win matches. It’s about who turns up on the day.”

Last season, Celtic were unbeaten in five meetings, winning four, on their way to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Over the past three campaigns, Rangers have won just three of the 16 meetings with their great rivals.