There was no love lost between Graeme Shinnie and the Rangers support during the midfielder's four years at Aberdeen.
But that hasn't stopped the 28-year-old - now plying his trade at Derby - from backing Steven Gerrard 's side to stop Celtic's march to 9 in a row by lifting this year's title.
Shinnie was embroiled in a number of tussles against the Light Blues during his time at Pittodrie and became a target for the Rangers support.
But, speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT , he tipped Gerrard's side to emerge victorious in the Premiership race.
He said: "I think it's going to be an exciting one this year. It's going to be a lot closer than we've had over the last couple of years.
"I think Rangers are strong this year but you can never rule Celtic out and what they've achieved in the last three years.
"If I had to say one, I would probably say Rangers are looking the strongest just now."
Meanwhile Shinnie said his first goal for Derby last night was right up there with any of his 12 strikes for Aberdeen - including a stunning strike against Apollon Limassol in the Europa League.
The midfielder has struggled to make an impact at the English Championship club since his summer move but made his third appearance for Phillip Cocu's side against Wigan.
And he said of his goal: "It rates very high because I’ve not scored many in my career, but in terms of finishes, it was right up there.
"I scored one for Aberdeen in the Europa League late on which is probably top of the tree but that definitely ranks up there.
“It was good, especially on my right foot, so I’m delighted with it.
"I love scoring goals. I love helping the team and at that stage of the game, it’s even more special. I’m delighted to get my first goal for the club and hopefully there is many more to come."
