Chris Sutton reveals Celtic title fear as he issues warning over Steven Gerrard Rangers reboot

The Record Sport columnist reckons the Hoops need to sharpen up as he is not writing off the Ibrox men despite the nine-point gap

Chris Sutton has warned Celtic to be on Premiership red alert – as a Steven Gerrard inspired Rangers can still WIN the title.

The Hoops are two points behind Premiership pace-setters Hearts and nine ahead of their Ibrox rivals.

But Celtic legend Sutton is convinced the gap can be slashed – with serious investment in January and the feel good factor around a Gerrard return.

The former Ibrox gaffer is in the frame to make a comeback following the sacking of Russell Martin at the weekend.

And Sutton – speaking on the Record Sport Celtic Podcast – said: “The one thing about the prospect of Gerrard coming back is the fans love him, because he stopped Celtic winning 10-in-a-row.

“The new Rangers manager, who ever it is, can look at it a couple of ways. What is he taking over, for a start? That would be a concern.

“Then you look across the city and ask, how strong are Celtic? The gap is nine points at this moment in time – and obviously you have Hearts up there right now.

“But I honestly don't think that it's impossible for Rangers to win the league this season. I’m basing that on what I've seen from Celtic this season. January is the big unknown, of course.

“Celtic just need to concentrate and put their own house in order and win games and try and get a rhythm and momentum.”

Sutton can see a potential Rangers bounce under a new boss but any Gers gaffer will need proper backing to patch up the current squad.

He said: “The new Rangers manager will go in and say, this squad isn't good enough. I know there's just been a big overhaul at Ibrox and lots of players coming in, but their squad isn't good enough.

“So what's he going to say? I want £25-30 million to spend in January. If you look at the squad Steven Gerrard inherited and then they brought in the likes of Connor Goldson, Ryan Kent, Jermaine Defoe – can Rangers recruit at that level again?

"Because that is what he will be demanding. I have no doubt Gerrard would be able to attract a high level of player. He won't want to come in and fail.”

Sutton insisted Celts have left the door open due to their own dodgy transfer dealings over the summer – which led to the disastrous Champions League exit at the hands of Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty.

Club chiefs are under fire and the Hoops hero is convinced his former side will need to go big in the January window to get the fans back onside and put the foot down in the title race.

He said: “January is going to be the be-all and end-all for Celtic, because this is going to rumble on. In previous seasons Celtic fans have had a gripe about the lack of activity and the lack of signings coming in over the summer, or they're not qualifying for the Champions League, because of the dominance domestically and finding a way to perform to a certain level, things have settled down.

“But at this moment in time, Celtic are a dull watch. It isn't attractive football, which we're seeing at this moment in time. So there's going to be these grumps and gripes up until January and then Celtic have to act. They have to act decisively in the transfer window.”

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