Celtic

Alex Neil highlights differences between Celtic and Rangers

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Alex Neil believes Rangers are still a long way behind Old Firm rivals Celtic and it will take them time to catch up.

Rangers finished a huge 39 points behind Brendan Rodgers’ side in the Scottish Premiership this season, as the Gers suffered five losses from six Old Firm clashes in all competitions throughout the 2016-17 season.

Speaking on BT Sport Football’s Periscope channel, former Norwich boss Neil believes the top flight of Scottish football has changed in recent years before delivering his honest verdict on Pedro Caixinha’s side.

“The top teams at the top of the league are extending their way at the top, and the rest are just trying to catch up and play for the best of the rest if you like,” Neil claimed.

“But Rangers have gone through a hell of a lot in recent years, what they’ve been through recent years, and they have got a hell of a lot of work to do to reach what they had before. They need time.”

Rangers finally secured their place in Scotland’s top flight ahead of the 2016-17 season after being forced to start again in the fourth tier of Scottish football due to their financial collapse.

The Gers suffered two humiliating 5-1 defeats to Rodgers’ unbeaten Celtic side, who triumphed in the league and the Scottish League Cup with a final to play against Aberdeen at Hampden Park on Saturday afternoon.

Portuguese manager Caixinha is likely to be busy in the upcoming transfer window, as he looks to push the 54-time Scottish champions closer to their bitter enemies.

It remains to be seen if the 46-year-old’s summer activity can reduce the gap of 39 points between the two sides next time around.

Neil, 35, played for Hamilton for a decade as well as taking over as player-manager before moving south take over at Carrow Road before being sacked earlier this season.

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