Former No.2 points to potentially 'vital' aspect of title race that could help Celtic catch Rangers

Ex-Celtic assistant John Collins insists there’s still a long way to go in the title race as he refused to rule out his former club catching Rangers, despite seeing the reigning champions drop points again at Easter Road.

Celtic captain Scott Brown walks off after being substituted at Easter Road. Picture: SNS

Neil Lennon’s rocky start continued on Saturday afternoon as his side had to rally from two goals down to snatch a point away to Hibs. It was the fourth time they’ve dropped points in 13 games and they’ll fall 11 points behind their arch-rivals if Rangers defeat an undermanned Aberdeen side on Sunday, though Celtic will have two games in hand.

With a lot of football still to go, though, Collins is refusing to rule out a comeback from the Parkhead side.

The former Celtic star midfielder also reckons Steven Gerrard’s side could hit a rocky patch when their form in Europe adds extra fixtures onto an already heavy fixture schedule.

He said on Hibs TV’s live coverage: “There’s a long way to go. Rangers look like they’re going to have a long run in Europe. It looks like they’re going to qualify, so they’ll have two games a week over the winter months and Celtic will have that extra rest.

“That could prove vital – keeping players fresh. Rangers are in the driving seat, they’re winning games, scoring goals, not conceding any so they’re in a very good position. Celtic are in a position they haven’t been in for a long time and that’s chasing.

“That brings pressure from all angles: media, press, supporters. But it’s not over.”

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