Former Celtic striker Kenny Dalglish believes that Ange Postecoglou’s side is now ‘slight favourites’ going into Wednesday’s Glasgow Derby fixture against Rangers.
On Saturday, the Hoops shortened the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to just two points, with a late victory over Dundee United, and have set up a potentially crucial derby fixture this midweek.
Writing in his weekly column for the Sunday Post, Dalglish believes that Celtic have turned things on their head once again in Glasgow, stating that he would have his side down as ‘slight favourites’ for the fixture, with home advantage potentially having an impact.
 “I would have Celtic down as slight favourites to win this match.
“I watched them against Hearts last midweek, and they were impressive. They knocked the ball about well and played at a very high tempo.
“It’s never wise to choose a winner, but I think home advantage gives Celtic the edge as we head into the game.”
Dalglish was also full of praise for Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou for the turnaround he has made in just over six months as manager and highlighted the new additions of Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley adding even more quality to his squad in the January window.
“Credit to Ange for his coaching and managerial skills. He took over Celtic when they were in the depths of despair, but he turned it around very quickly.
“He has also been brilliant at recruitment.
“Another one of his signings, Reo Hatate, scored an outstanding goal, the kind of strike that gets spectators up off their seats.
“Maybe Craig Gordon would feel disappointed to have conceded from almost 30 yards out, but it was a very powerful strike.
“To go to Tynecastle and win without Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, Tom Rogic, and Daizen Maeda speaks volumes for the talent in the squad.
“New signing Matt O’Riley looks a proper player, and I was also impressed with Giorgos Giakoumakis.”
It has been some turnaround from Ange and the squad, given the mess we found ourselves in last season and during the summer.
They all deserve huge credit for that, but I’m sure, as Postecoglou will remind everyone, this is far from over, and there is still, even more, developing to go as a group of players in the push to bring the Premiership title back to Parkhead.
With Ange having previously spoken of his respect for Kenny Dalglish as a player, you would imagine this is something he would be delighted to hear from one of his footballing heroes.
Long may it continue, starting with Wednesday’s crunch Glasgow derby matchup.
