Kris Boyd has refused to rule out a Celtic title challenge - but reckons it's too early to say if they can battle Rangers this season.
The last week has seen a shift in tone in the Premiership with Ange Postecoglou ensuring two wins in a row and a drubbing of Dundee.
Across Glasgow, Steven Gerrard is hoping to get his champions back on track after consecutive defeats and the end of their unbeaten league run against Dundee United.
Former Ibrox striker Boyd has been confident about the league trophy remaining in Govan at the end of the campaign.
However, he awkwardly laughed off the Parkhead performance on Sky Sports.
He was asked: "You've nailed your colours to the mast and said you think Rangers will retain the title, but Kyogo's performance yesterday, Celtic's performance yesterday and the business they have done. Are you getting slightly concerned?"
Boyd chuckled: "You're putting me on the spot here!"
The pundit admitted there was plenty to like about the performance from Celtic - but couldn't bring himself to completely predict a battle at the top.
He continued: "Look, I think when you go back to last weekend against Hearts, Celtic were off it.
"But having watched the game yesterday, they were at it. It wasn't just the goals, it was his (Kyogo's) movement.
"I thought it was excellent. I spoke to one of my mates as well, and that's exactly what he said, his movement was unbelievable.
"Even the little one-two's to take defenders short and peel off the back of them, and Ryan Christie with the cross, it was top class finishing I must say.
"Celtic are going to need their players to step up. They've been criticised, and rightly so. Even their own fans have been criticising them. But yesterday was a statement that they are still here, and they will challenge Rangers.
"But, it's early doors. If that team gels together, and that Rangers team gets back to the levels it was showing last season, then we've got an exciting title race on."
