Ronald de Boer insists Celtic deserve to be "nominated" Premiership winners - but claimed they can't call themselves true champions unless the season is finished.
The former Rangers star believes the Hoops must be handed the title if the SPFL are forced to declare the season over.
Earlier this week, boss Neil Lennon reiterated the club's desire to play out the season on the pitch.
But as that possibility continues to fade, the SPFL are prepared to award them the league trophy.
And de Boer would have no issue with that decision, with Celtic currently 13 points clear of their Ibrox rivals.
He told The Scottish Sun : “I’d love to see Rangers win the league again after all this time but you have to be objective.
“Celtic are well clear at the moment and like Liverpool in England, they deserve to win it.
“If you have to nominate a winner then you have to say Liverpool, and the same counts for Celtic.
“If the season is not completed then you can only be winners, not champions.”
