John Hartson believes the gulf between Celtic and Rangers is still huge after the Bhoys claimed victory in the first Old Firm clash of the season
Odsonne Edouard continued his impressive goalscoring record against Rangers as Celtic claimed a 2-0 victory at Ibrox.
The Frenchman capitalised on a loose pass to net his fifth goal in seven derbies in the 32nd minute following a tight opening to the game.
Rangers defender Connor Goldson gave the ball straight to Celtic winger Mikey Johnston, who slipped the 21-year-old through to slot home.
Substitute Jonny Hayes rounded off the victory in stoppage time after netting at the second attempt on the counter-attack.
The hosts started without any natural width or top goalscorer Alfredo Morelos and they took almost an hour to manage a shot on target.
And Hartson, who made 146 appearances for Celtic, believes Rangers have a long way to go before they can think about challenging for the Premiership title.
He said on the Hawksbee and Jacobs show: “How on earth people could make Rangers favourites for the game yesterday when Celtic have won the last nine trophies available?
“They are not quite at the same level as what Celtic are.
“Celtic have got momentum, they’re going for nine trophies in a row – an historic ninth league trophy in a row.
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“And it is going to take a stronger Rangers, for me, to stop Celtic. And that is me trying to take my Celtic hat off!
“Because yesterday, it could have been 3,4,5! They are still way behind Celtic in my opinion and there is a lot of work still to be done to catch the eight times in a row champions.
“And that is my genuine opinion.”
