Kenny Dalglish claims Celtic would have wanted Rangers to win

It goes without saying that Celtic and the Rangers share one of the most intense rivalries in all of sports. What has further enhanced this is the fact that the two Glasgow sides inevitably end up competing for the major honours in Scottish football almost every season. Of course, it is the Hoops who have come out on top more often than not.

With two trophies still left to play for this season, a lot could be decided by how things go in their upcoming meetings. As things stand, Celtic are a point ahead in the league but have played a game more than the Rangers as well.

The two remaining Glasgow Derbies could prove to be decisive in the league title race. On the other hand, they could end up meeting in the Scottish Cup final as well.

Philippe Clement's side were handed a blow recently though as they were eliminated from the Europa League by Benfica and that too at Ibrox. Kenny Dalglish believes that Celtic would have actually preferred for the Rangers to stay in Europe.

Dalglish claims Celtic would have wanted Rangers to win

Dalglish feels that Europe could have been a potential drain on the Rangers' resources in the coming weeks. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, the Celtic and Liverpool icon said on The Sunday Post [print edition page 65]:

"I was surprised that Philippe Clement’s side lost on Thursday. I fancied them to go through.

“However, they just came up short. There will be disappointment about that defeat.

“I also think Celtic would have preferred Gers to stay in Europe as it’s a potential drain on their resources in the coming weeks."

To be very honest, Celtic fans always enjoy seeing the Rangers on the losing end. But perhaps them winning could have had a more positive impact on the Hoops' season.

Not only would it have meant that the Rangers have been more busy in the business end of the season but it could have helped Scotland's co-efficient as well. It is what it is though. Celtic cannot afford to look towards Ibrox and need to make sure they are at their best.