Former Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink reckons Neil Lennon's first-hand experience of one of the most dramatic title races in memory will be the difference this season.
The Dutchman was part of the Hoops side that dramatically snatched the title on the final day of the 2007/08 season after trailing Walter Smith's side for much of the campaign.
The current Celtic boss was added to Gordon Strachan's coaching team after Tommy Burns stepped down amid his brave battle with cancer.
Lennon was an important member of the backroom staff which stunned Rangers by defeating them twice before Vennegoor of Hesselink's winner sealed the title at Tannadice.
The Celtic boss has won nine titles as a player and manager in Glasgow but the towering striker reckons that a reminder from yesteryear will ultimately prove the difference as Steven Gerrard eyes a miracle comeback.
The 41-year-old, speaking to the Sunday Post, said: "Neil has been there, done it and worn the T-shirt.
"He will now know how to handle this run-in, it's the same for for the likes of James Forrest and Scott Brown.
"But Rangers can't be ruled out, as was the case with us in 2008.
"We knew we still had to play Rangers twice and that always gave us hope. That must be the way Steven Gerrard and the Rangers players are looking at the current scenario.
"However, I do fancy Celtic, to win it.
"It just seems as though they are on the right road and are playing some really good football. They are blowing teams away."
And Hesselink's confidence in his former team is strengthened by Lennon's call to partner Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard in attack in a new-look 3-5-2.
The former PSV forward, who forged a strong partnership with Scott McDonald during his time with Celtic and reckons that tactical tweak could prove pivotal.
He added: "The decision to go with Odsonne and Leigh could ultimately prove the deciding factor, in a positive way, as to what happens for the rest of the season.
"I think it's a refreshing change and good for Neil for trying it and sticking with it."
