Patrick Vieira expects the Old Firm to take Europe by storm this season.
The Arsenal and France legend – now coach of OGC Nice – was hugely impressed by both Rangers and Celtic at the Veolia Trophy in Lyon.
Vieira’s team managed a 1-1 draw with the Hoops before losing 2-0 to the Ibrox side on Saturday night.
The former World Cup winner liked what he saw from the Scottish clubs and expects them to be successful in this season’s Champions League and Europa League.
Vieira said: “It’s difficult to compare Rangers and Celtic because the second game after just one day’s rest was more difficult physically.
“But both teams showed real quality and individual talent. I expect both of them to do very well in Europe.”
Vieira had no complaints after his young side were defeated by Steven Gerrard’s side at the Groupama Stadium on Saturday night.
Goals from Jermain Defoe and Jamie Barjonas secured the trophy for Rangers, having previously beaten Lyon as well.
Vieira was full of admiration for Gerrard’s men and praised their performances in France.
He said: “Rangers have real intensity in their game. That’s the British side of them.
“They can play from the back and try to build from their own half – or they can play long.
“They always have winners on the second ball and they have individual players with quality, who can eliminate you quite easily.
“They have some really interesting talent in that team.
“It brought back memories for me going up against Stevie again. I was really happy because he was one of the best players around.
“To see him as a coach, using his experience and what he’s learned – that has to be positive for Rangers and his players.
“On Saturday, we faced a team that was faster than us, in Rangers. We knew that, their physical quality was better than ours and they’re very athletic.
“It was interesting for me to see where my team is physically against them.”
As well as being a former foe of Gerrard from his Gunners days in the Premier League, Vieira also went up against Defoe in England.
He can’t believe the 37-year-old is still going strong but says his left-foot finish against Nice is proof that he can still be a huge asset for Rangers.
Vieira said: “I’m surprised Jermain is still playing – I asked him what he was doing on the pitch!
“It’s always nice to see Jermain. He showed by the way he finished Rangers’ goal that he’s a natural goalscorer.
“He’s still got the talent.”
