Niall Quinn has hailed Dermond Desmond as a “brilliant” owner of Celtic and insisted the club will not shirk the new challenge from Rangers.
Diehard Hoops fan and ex-Sunderland chairman Quinn is a big admirer of the Irish tycoon for the astute way he has run the club since becoming the major shareholder.
The 52-year-old told the Scottish Sun: “He’s been a responsible owner, he’s a passionate owner and he’s brought in some brilliant people there over the years to manage the club.
“They didn’t fall into the problems Rangers fell into obviously and they’ve run a tidy operation for a long time now. New questions are being asked and I don’t think you’ll see anybody there shirking the challenge.”
OPINION
As a highly respected former player who has turned his hand to management and running a club, as well as operating under an American owner as he did at Sunderland, Quinn is well placed to deliver a verdict on how Desmond has run the show at Parkhead. Certainly, the Hoops have not had it all their own way this season after seven consecutive titles and successive trebles, but few can dispute that the club have not thrived under the stewardship of Irish billionaire Desmond. Celtic rake in profits every year, dominate the Scottish game and have pulled away from Rangers in terms of finances, on-pitch success and European prestige. The club are a force to be reckoned with, no doubt. For neutrals and fans of the Scottish game, the arrival of Steven Gerrard and demonstration of real ambition at Ibrox has made things a whole lot more interesting following years of relentless Celtic dominance. To their credit, the Hoops have looked to make amends for a mixed opening half of the campaign with three early-window signings, but fans want to see even greater intent and ambition from the Desmond-led board.