Former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill admits Rangers are a genuine threat again - but still expects his old side to take the title.
Steven Gerrard's side make it back-to-back wins at Parkhead on Saturday, the first time they've achieved that since 1995.
With the hosts not managing a shot on target manager Neil Lennon has come under scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
And the man who took him to Celtic believes the former midfielder has a real fight on his hands.
O'Neill told the Scottish Sun: "Rangers are getting stronger, having been very weak a couple of years ago, as they tried to make their way through the leagues. Celtic had it all their own way, and now it’s different.
"Rangers are pushing them. They were better in the League Cup final last season, and lost.
“For me that was because they had not won for a while, and Celtic were able to see it through.
“But there is a long way to go this season. Rangers have piled pressure on Celtic, and it’s up to them to keep that going, not to drift off like they did last year."
But despite the strides he's seen at Ibrox the former Ireland boss still expects his protege to take the title.
He said: "When Rodgers left someone had to go in and keep it going, and I don’t believe there was anyone else who could have done that other than Lennon.
“I think he’ll be able to deal with any criticism that’s coming his way, even though it stings.
“But overall it’s part of the territory. He has been able to deal with those things in the past, and I believe he’ll be able to deal with this now.
“Do I think Celtic will win the league? At their strongest, they are still better than Rangers, so I believe they will do it.”
