James Forrest gives his verdict on Rangers’ title chances

A 2-0 loss away at Livingston before the international break meant that Celtic had dropped 5 points in their last two games and as a result find themselves two points behind their Glasgow rivals in the Premiership table. Now James Forrest has given his verdict on Rangers title chances.

Over the last nine seasons, Celtic have completely dominated Scottish football, winning eight straight Premiership titles and are looking to equal the all-time record of nine this season. And it all started brightly for the Hoops as well as they won all six of their opening league games including a 2-0 demolition of Rangers away at Ibrox.

But things have not gone according to plan the last couple of matchdays as the Hoops have only managed one point from their last two games, a couple of disappointing results that have seen Rangers overtake them in the Premiership table. While Steven Gerrard’s did succumb to a defeat at the hands of their closest rivals earlier in the season, they have won all their games since then.

It has been quite sometime since Celtic have found themselves in a position other than the top in the Premiership table. And James Forrest took some time to comment on the side’s recent fall to second and the legitimacy of Rangers’ threat to the Scottish throne this season.

Speaking to Daily Record, Forrest said:

"“It’s a bit strange not being at the top of the table because it’s around 10 months since that was last the case. But it keeps us on our toes because we know if we slip up Rangers are winning regularly so it’s vital we take the three points off Ross County.“Rangers went into the new year level on points with us last season but we tend to become stronger after the winter break in January. However, we can’t take anything for granted. It’s always tight going into the second half of the season and Rangers are stronger than they were a year ago.“Hopefully that’s our bad performance and result behind us. Was it a wake-up call? You’d prefer to just keep winning but it’s practically impossible to maintain that high a level right through a campaign. Now we need to show a reaction to that display this weekend.”"

Football is a game of results and it doesn’t matter who you beat, three points is the most you can get. So Celtic must look to put together a good string of results if they are to catch up with their Old Firm rivals. While the majority of the league still remains, it is quite clear by now that Rangers are stronger than they have ever been in recent years and any slip up might prove costly come the end of the season.