Scott Bain says Celtic intend to "ignore the outside noise" after Jermain Defoe said Rangers are capable of winning the title.
Speaking on The Beautiful Game podcast, Defoe said: “Sometimes when I sit and look at the players and the squad we have, there is some unbelievable talent in that dressing room.
“We just need to believe we can do it this year.
"I look at the dressing room and I believe we can go all the way and compete in Europe as well."
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with the top Celtic stories of the day, as well as breaking news alerts, text CELTIC to 07899068921. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Glasgow Live Sport'.
As quoted in the Scottish Sun, Bain believes Celtic can ignore what their rivals say if they play to their potential on the park.
He said: “The players have shown they are more than capable of handling any pressure that gets put on them.
“As a squad we don’t read into what anyone else is saying.
"We just know that if we do the job we set out to do, and do it to our full ability, then we can come away with three points.
"It might sound like a cliche but it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
“We always focus fully on one game at a time. If we can play the way we’re capable of, we can ignore the outside noise.
"The boys are champing at the bit to get back into it, given the way last season ended."
Celtic and Rangers both take on French opposition on Thursday, with Neil Lennon's side facing Nice and Steven Gerrard's men taking on Moussa Dembele's Lyon.
