Rangers beating Celtic would be a shock – Lambert

Former Celtic midfielder Paul Lambert says Rangers must claim the final league derby of the season to have any chance of clinching the title – but believes it will be “an upset for everybody” if the Ibrox side win on Saturday.

Celtic host Rangers on Saturday at lunchtime with a three-point advantage and a superior goal difference in the Scottish Premiership table.

Rangers have not won at Celtic Park since 2020 and when asked if a victory for Philippe Clement’s side would be a shock, Lambert said: “It would be, yes, because on current form and with Rangers’ record there not the best it would be an upset for everybody.

“Celtic look as if they’re bang on it again. They’re performing at the right time at this crucial part of the season.”

The league leaders’ consistent recent form has helped them overtake their rivals, who have only taken one point from the three derbies this season.

The former Scotland captain, who won the title four times in seven seasons at Celtic, feels Brendan Rodgers is due significant credit for guiding the side through a season of ups and downs.

“He’s been brilliant. He’s kept a totally calm head with everything that was going on earlier in the season,” added the former Livingston and Aston Villa manager.

“Rangers had a little bite at it then blew it and gave it to Celtic again so I think Brendan has done a fabulous job there.

“He’s come in at a really hard time following the success Ange [Postecoglou] had and I think he’s done brilliantly, I really do.”