Walter Smith insists Celtic's nine-in-a-row achievement shouldn't be downplayed because Rangers spent four seasons out of the top flight.
The former Rangers manager guided his side to nine straight titles - as did Celtic's Jock Stein in the 60s and 70s - and appreciates the level of consistency needed to do it.
And he believes that Celtic could only beat the teams they faced on the run that ended with Steven Gerrard 's side winning the league on Sunday.
Smith said: "Look, whatever happened to Rangers, whether I agree with what happened or I don’t, it doesn’t matter, because it happened.
"Rangers weren’t in the league. But what do you say, then, that it doesn’t happen? No, it does happen. And Celtic won them.
“Listen, to qualify that, people might turn round and say - including myself - that it was easier because Rangers weren’t there.
“But you’ve still got to do it. You don’t get anywhere by looking back the way all the time.
“Celtic have won nine championships in Scotland. And that’s it. That’s what they’ve done.
“All the other stuff, yes, as can all complain about. And I can have my own thoughts on all that. But they’ve won it.
"It’s been proven on occasions before, with myself and Mr Stein, where we had the opportunity to win ten and we didn’t do so.
“Nine then becomes a figure and now it’s one in a row. And that’s it.
"That’s where Rangers are at the present moment and I’m sure Steven Gerrard will look forward to next season. He’ll want to win the league again next year."
