Rangers legend Mark Hateley says Celtic took their eye off the ball by underestimating Steven Gerrard’s title winners.
The Ibrox icon is adamant the Hoops hierarchy got complacent in their charge towards 10 in a Row.
Hateley believes the Parkhead club sold top players like Moussa Dembele and Kieran Tierney for business reasons – without factoring in Rangers’ resurgence.
The former Gers striker is delighted that Gerrard and co have taken full advantage by securing their 55th title in record time this season.
And he’s praised the Ibrox board for standing by their manager despite failing to land trophies in his first two seasons.
Hateley told Mailsport: “You have to look at the three years Steven’s been here and where we’ve come from in a relatively short space of time.
“Their nearest rivals took their eye off the ball and got complacent – and that’s when football can bite you on the bum very quickly.
“When that happens, there can be a big power change in no time.
“If you’re not on point, it can come up and get you. And that’s what Rangers have done to Celtic.
“Celtic got very complacent. They took their eye off the ball and sold key players on for their business model.
“I know it’s a model that Scottish football clubs have to strive towards. But at the same time, there has to be a balance.
“The Rangers board deserve credit for being strong in backing Steven right down the line.
“Some clubs, after two years with no trophies, would have looked at getting another manager in.
“But they didn’t. They stayed strong, believed in what they were doing - and look how it turned out.
“In that short space of time, Rangers have become a very decent outfit.”
