Celtic & Rangers tables have turned

Rangers boss Stuart McCall speaks with Celtic assistant manager John Collins at the recent Hibs v Queen of the South match. Picture: SNS

Collins played in the Hoops’ midfield between 1990 and 1996, winning only the Scottish Cup in 1995 - when old rivals Rangers were number one in the city, on their way to winning nine titles in a row with a treble captured in 1993.

However, with the Ibrox club trying to make their way back to the top flight following their descent into administration and liquidation - promotion from the Scottish Championship will need to come via the play-offs - Celtic are currently top dogs.

In his first season as Hoops boss Ronny Deila has already captured the Scottish League Cup with a William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final against Inverness at Hampden Park to look forward later this month.

And with a seven-point lead and a game in hand over Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership, Celtic are looking to secure all three domestic trophies for the first time since 2001.

Collins, speaking at Celtic Park where he was helping publicise a charity lunch which will mark the 100th anniversary of the passing of the club’s founding father, Brother Walfrid, admitted “very much” casting an envious glance at Rangers’ treble-winning side.

But he is hoping to enjoy the same achievement as part of the Parkhead management team.

The former Scotland international said: “As a player you want to win things and Rangers at that time were the dominant force.

“Times have changed. It is now us who are the dominant force and the most important thing is we stay where we are.

“I can speak for everybody, the management team, the players, staff, every supporter; the treble is special.

“Not many players or coaches have achieved it so if we do achieve it will be great for everybody.

“We are in a good position in the league, out in front playing well, winning games, not conceding, scoring goals although we could be scoring more.

“We are in the driving seat (for the treble) but nothing is concluded.

“We don’t like talking about things in advance but we have said from the start of the season we are in the good position but one game at a time.

“Football is a dangerous game if you think too far ahead and start getting carried away.”

Celtic & Rangers tables have turned - John Collins