Celtic Falter

The balance of power shifted in Glasgow on Wedneday evening when Celtic unexpectedly capitulated in their game-in-hand, losing 3-2 at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. It had been assumed that the Bhoys would return to two points clear at the top of the table; instead they have handed the advantage to their fiercest rivals. Rangers suddenly find themselves 8/15 favourites to win the SPL, according to SkyBet. Celtic have been pushed out to a best price of 7/4 by totesport.

It’s a dramatic turnaround with just three league games remaining for both the Old Firm giants. To make matters even better for the Ibrox side, they have two home games upcoming against Hearts and Dundee Utd, before heading to Kilmarnock on the final day. Neil Lennon’s side also face ‘Killie’ and Hearts, but both those fixtures are away. The Celtic manager will now hope that his side still have something to play for when Motherwell come to Glasgow for the final game. If the top two finish level on points, Celtic are likely to come out on top though; they currently have a goal difference of +54 to Rangers’ +49.

However, the news has already worsened further for the green half of the city with the revelation that influential Israeli midfielder Beram Kayal will miss the rest of the season having fractured his wrist against Inverness.