IT’S WIDE OPEN
Gordon predicts a four-way title battle
CRAIG GORDON last night predicted Celtic will face a four-way fight to retain their title next season.
The appointment of Brendan Rodgers as manager and the return of Rangers after a four-year absence has seen a spike in interest from Celtic fans — with hundreds queuing in the sunshine yesterday to land some of the first public sale season tickets.
But while Gordon expects the Ibrox men to give Celtic a run for their money as they chase a sixth consecutive title, he feels the challenge from a resurgent Aberdeen and Hearts could be equally as perilous.
‘It looks like there’s going to be
four teams who are going to be in and around things,’ said the Celtic goalkeeper. ‘I think there will be that bit more anxiety (if a team drops points). ‘You are always going to be looking around at the results to see how everyone else is getting on. ‘It’s looking like it could be one of the most exciting seasons for a long time. ‘Aberdeen aren’t going to go away, they will still be right up there. ‘Hearts, as well, are bringing in a few more players and everyone is still trying to recruit a few more, which could make a difference,’ said the 33-year-old Scotland international. ‘It’s going to be a tough league and the fixtures are going to be difficult. You just aren’t going to get many easy games. ‘For everyone else, it’s going to be really exciting. As players too, you want a challenge.’ Although Celtic won two titles under Ronny Deila, an inability to reach the group stages of the Champions League was central to the Norwegian deciding to step down last month. As in the past two seasons, the Parkhead side will be forced to tackle two of the three qualifying rounds before the domestic season gets under way — effectively defining much of the season for new boss Rodgers while it is still in its infancy. ‘That’s the reason everyone is so ready to get back in for pre-season and to start well, to make sure that we are ready for it,’ added Gordon. ‘They are pretty much the most important games of our season and they happen straight away. ‘We have to be ready for them. We have to make sure first of all that we are physically ready. ‘That gives you that extra bit of confidence, when you go out there knowing that you are in top shape. Then you can perform even better.’