Former SPFL striker Tam McManus believes that Celtic will not be deterred by who Rangers decide to appoint, though his departure will have supporters gutted.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst was removed from his post at Ibrox at the start of the week and there is already a clear favourite to be appointed the new manager.
The club decided to take action after Rangers fell nine points behind the Hoops in the race for the Scottish Premiership and Ross Wilson is reportedly heading for talks in London with Beale over succeeding van Bronckhorst.
However, McManus has claimed that while Celts’ fans would have rather had the Dutch coach stayed on, no change in the dugout will salvage the Light Blues’ title hopes.
Speaking to Football Insider he said: “I don’t think Celtic are worried about who comes in.
“The title is in their hands, it’s theirs to lose now. Rangers are going to have to go perfect until the end of the season.
“They have to win every game, I don’t see it. I don’t see them beating Celtic three times. It’s too little too late from a Rangers point of view.
“I’m sure Celtic fans will be gutted, they would rather Gio was still in charge to be honest, based on how this season has gone so far.
“They were delighted to see their old rivals struggling and all of the questions being asked of the manager. Rangers might get a boost from this.
“It’s a fresh voice, you see a new manager bounces everywhere but I don’t think Celtic will be bothered at all by this.”
TIF Thoughts on McManus’ comments…
Do Celtic need a busy January window?
Yes
No
It’s funny how quickly the tide has turned in Glasgow as less than 18 months ago an unknown on these shores in Ange Postecoglou was appointed and looked down upon while the Gers were coming off their 55th league title with Steven Gerrard at the helm.
The former Liverpool captain left for Aston Villa before Ange seized control of the Scottish Premiership.
The Greek-Australian technician has since grabbed a firm hold and McManus is right that although fans won’t be pleased to see the back of van Bronckhorst they won’t exactly be concerned with who comes in amid their own side’s flying form.
Inaccurate report. The rangers were NOT coming off their 55th title, they were coming off their first! How can you confuse 1st with 55th?