Celtic warned over physicality problem after being comfortably beaten by Rangers

John Hartson insists Celtic will welcome the challenge from Rangers despite admitting his former club’s recent Glasgow Derby defeat exposed a worrying weakness in Martin O’Neill’s side.

Celtic have had plenty of time for reflection during the extended international break after suffering successive derby defeats either side of a home European loss to Ferencvaros.

While the Hoops remain top of the Premiership, the manner of their recent performances has caused concern and increased scrutiny around O’Neill’s future.

Speaking to Alan Brazil on talkSPORT, Hartson was asked if he expects his ex-boss to walk away, replying: “I don’t know, Alan. That’s a question you’d need to ask Martin.”

“I was up there for the last league game when they lost 1-0 against Rangers. With physicality they struggled. I think Derek McInnes had read the room and though ‘I’m going to go big and physical’.

“Duran was up top on his own… he was like a fish out of water. He is a very good player, but up there, he was isolated for a lot of the game. Rangers had two big centre-backs, two big lumps up top, could go in behind… they’re neat and tidy in the middle of the park.

“But we welcome the challenge. We’ve won fifteen titles and sixteen years, including five trebles. So we do welcome the challenge – but it was a little bit concerning how comfortable it was for Rangers on that particular afternoon. Celtic were second best.

“A lot of people have said to me: ‘Look, John, it was like watching Rangers playing against your team’. When I was there, we had big men from corners. Myself, Chris Sutton, Henrik was great in the air, Johan Mjallby, Stan Varga, Valgaeren…

“We used to go to the box and head the ball, and head the ball in both boxes. Celtic lack that physicality at the minute.”