Barry Ferguson revealed he was surprised to hear Neil Lennon almost concede the title to Rangers.
The Celtic boss admitted that the league championship was 'maybe beyond them' with Rangers 21 points clear of their rivals, although the Hoops have three games in hand.
The first of those comes on Wednesday night against Livingston but Ferguson was shocked by what he described as a 'strange comment' by Lennon.
The Celtic Park side have been under fire for their trip to Dubai and Lennon's comments went under the radar during an incredible rant about their criticism.
But speaking on Go Radio, Ferguson said: "I'm surprised, 'maybe beyond them', I wouldn't expect that.
"Maybe 'we'll keep fighting but it will be tough'. It's a strange comment from the manager.
"Neil will know the situation, he's been a player, he's been a captain of the club before, he's been successful at it.
"He knows when things are not going right, people are going to call for his head, that's the nature of the beast."
