Confident Simon Donnelly believes Celtic 's summer recruitment drive has seen the side close the gap on Rangers.
The Ibrox club romped to the Premiership title last season, going unbeaten throughout the campaign and finishing 25 points clear of their city neighbours.
It was a new look side that faced Steven Gerrard's side in the first derby of the season, but they slipped to a narrow defeat in Govan.
With Cameron Carter-Vickers, Giorgios Giakoumakis and Jota taking the tally of Parkhead recruits to 12 on deadline day, Donnelly remains confident that Celtic can narrow the gap and mount a Premiership title challenge.
When asked on the Go Radio Football Show if the has been slashed between the rivals and if the Hoops had a title shot, Donnelly said: "I think so, and the only way I back that up is in terms of the recruitment.
"I know it's early days, but the guys that have come in look good.
"I haven't seen anything about Giakoumakis other that video stuff, but looking at the evidence of the game at the weekend I don't think there was much in it.
"Obviously Rangers are a more settled squad. They've built it over the last two or three years, and Celtic have 12 new bodies in.
"I don't know how many went out the door, but there is a lot of chop and change there.
"It's a work in progress. I don't think they have quite got it right at the back yet, it's early days.
"I just feel that it certainly won't be 25 points between the teams this year. That was a one off. I think it will be a hell of a lot closer."
