Celtic have 'better starting XI' than Rangers when all fit

The former Hoops defender reckons once his old club gets the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate and Alistair Johnston back involved then Celtic should flex their muscles.

He spoke to Sky Sports today when reflecting on a dramatic weekend of Premiership action that saw the champions fall behind Rangers in the league for the first time in over two years.

Kilmarnock earned a 1-1 draw at Parkhead on Saturday, allowing Philippe Clement's men the opportunity to go top the following day with victory over St Johnstone.

They gladly accepted that invitation with a 3-0 stroll in the Perthshire sun, as the hunters became the hunted.

Wilson was keen to stress that while fans have the right to be angry at Celtic's performances in recent months, the gap between the teams is only two points, with 12 league games remaining.

He said: "I think with the strongest teams out I still believe Celtic have a better starting XI when everybody is fit and playing. But that has been the problem. Getting that starting XI all on the pitch at one time. If they can do that, and the players are up to match speed, I still believe Celtic have enough to win that game but again it is a long time to go before then.

"It is quite a flip from the start of the season. You look back at September/October and the Rangers players found it incredibly difficult to play in that environment at Ibrox.

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"The atmosphere from the support really took away from the players performing on the pitch.

"You get the sense of that happening here at Celtic Park. That is quite unique for that to happen in one season between two top teams. But the Celtic players have to suck it up and get on with it.

"They've been brought to the club not only for their ability but how they can deal with high pressure situations. In the coming weeks it is going to be high pressure every time they set on the pitch at Celtic Park."