Chris Sutton’s brutal verdict on Celtic’s title chances might not be what it seems.
The former Hoops striker claimed Celtic were effectively out of the race, insisting they won’t win their remaining games and questioning their performances.
He said:
“If Martin O’Neill is right with his calculations, they need to win all five games.
“Celtic can’t win the league with their level of performance, unless the wheels fall off Heart of Midlothian and Rangers. I just don’t see it.
“They haven’t beaten Hearts all season, they haven’t beaten Rangers.
“I don’t think Hearts and Rangers fear Celtic. That is a problem.”
Strong words, but not everyone is buying it.
Journalist Mark Hendry believes Sutton is playing a different game altogether, one aimed at shifting pressure.
Writing in CeltsAreHere Extra Time, Hendry argued the comments are deliberate mind games.
With just three points separating the top three, the title race is still wide open.
And crucially, both Hearts and Rangers still have to travel to Celtic Park, including a potentially decisive final-day clash.
Hendry wrote:
“Chris Sutton put it bluntly and claimed Celtic were “out of the title race”.
“I don’t consider the big man to be a shock jock but, with that, he was certainly playing mind games.
“Sutton knows more than most that it ain’t over ‘til it’s over and with just three points separating the top three, anything might happen between now and the end of May.”
He continued: “There are five matches left and Celtic are still well in it. And I think Sutton knows that, too.
“The Englishman is a smart guy. He understands that ruling Celts out of the race takes a smidgen of pressure off his former club and heaps it back on Hearts and Rangers.
“It might mean little to those in the race – maybe Derek McInnes will bite – but it was clearly Sutton’s intentions.”
Mind games or genuine belief? Either way, the pressure is building. And every word is now part of the title race.
Hearts and Rangers are both jetting off to the heat this week, whiel Celtic organise a bounce game and work at Lennoxtown this week.
The Hoops have a Scottish Cup semi-final to prepare for on Sunday and are keen to start welcoming some injured stars back.
Arne Engels got some minutes on Sunday, while Alistair Johnston could be available this weekend. Callum Osmand isn’t too far behind.
