Celtic are '˜nothing' without Rangers - Edgar Davids

Retired Dutch superstar Edgar Davids has weighed in with a controversial opinion on the state of Celtic, insisting they are 'nothing' without Rangers in the top flight.

Edgar Davids says Celtic need their rivalry with Rangers. Picture: SNS

Despite closing in on their fifth consecutive top flight title, not all is well at the home of the champions.

Manager Ronny Deila, after losing the Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Rangers, decided to step down as manager at the end of the season.

The failure to add any domestic trophies or have a sustained run in Europe this campaign has led to supporter protests at the running of the club under Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell, with fans displaying banners at the recent 1-1 draw with Ross County.

During his playing days Davids came up against the Celtic Park side in a few fiery battles on the continent and he didn’t hold back when asked about their current plight.

He said: “Without Rangers, they are nothing. You need that rivalry. You need black and white, something old-fashioned like a very old rivalry.

“Those matches are what you live for. When big teams play each other, you automatically want to raise your game. You want to see what level you’re at and you know you have to step up.

“I watch the games and I saw one glimpse that Rangers are going to be up in the top league again, so I was happy and delighted for them.

“They are a big club. It also helps Celtic that they are back. You want those matches. They put the spotlight back on Scottish football.”

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