Charlie Nicholas believes that Celtic will retain the league championship next season as the former Hoops striker gives his predictions before a ball is kicked. 

It was an astonishing first season under Ange Postecoglou with Celtic getting back into their usual rhythm, winning the Premier Sports Cup and the SPFL Premiership.

When Ange first arrived in Glasgow, many Australian journalists and fans had insisted that it always takes the boss at least two seasons to get things right but there was no need to wait as Celtic delivered.

On trophy day the manager promised that Celtic would come back bigger and stronger for this season with excitement growing for Sunday’s league opener against Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen.

“I think Celtic ’s squad is stronger. Rangers have some good young players coming through but they are unknown and we will need to see how they develop,” said Charlie Nicholas speaking in the Scottish Daily Express. 

“Rangers certainly have a lot more strength and depth compared to last season outfield. I think they can cover as many positions as Celtic although their bench isn’t as strong. That and the goalkeeping department is where Celtic have the edge and why I think the Premiership trophy will remain at Parkhead this season.”

Many would say it’s a miracle that Celtic managed to hang on through till January until new recruits arrived. The summer transfer window which saw massive changes at the club left the squad short of options after injuries meaning that there was a huge emphasis for Celtic to strengthen in January which they did swiftly with the arrival of four new players.

Nicholas has been one of the harshest critics of the club for many years but even Ange Postecoglou has the former Arsenal star backing him.