Celtic must have been very disappointed with the manner of their European exit this season. The club were considered as the favourites going into their UEFA Europa Conference League tie against Bodo/Glimt, but ended up tasting a 5-1 defeat on aggregate instead. But then, many fans were ready to look at the positive sides of the result as well, with the biggest being that it would allow the Hoops to completely focus on the Premiership title race.

As things stand, Celtic sit three points over the Rangers, who had a six point lead coming out of the winter break but have seen it evaporate within a short span of time.

And at this point of time, it is safe to say that Celtic are in the driver’s seat when it comes to the Premiership title race, with just 8 league games to be played. But then, there are a couple of Glasgow Derbies as well and anything can happen.

Amidst all this, it looks like Giovanni van Bronckhorst does not believe that the Rangers still being in Europe is an advantage for Celtic. As reported by the Daily Record, he said:

“There are very positive sides about still being in Europe now.

“It’s a busy schedule, as I’ve said before. We play in Europe now and then a cup game at the weekend.

“Then it’s Europe again so I think everyone is aware of the busy schedule. We have to prepare well and rest well to be at our best in every game.

“But, of course, Europe is giving us a huge lift in our morale. We just have to keep pushing to overcome this opponent as well.”

Van Bronckhorst makes big claim about Celtic advantage

While the Rangers might have been struggling in domestic competition recently, it is safe to say that they have done a great job in Europe, getting past Borussia Dortmund in the previous round.

But then, the Premiership is what would matter most to both Celtic and the Rangers at this point of time, especially with a Champions League spot up for grabs.

It is all about momentum going into the final stretch of the season and Celtic were handed a massive boost in that regard, with their recent win over Livingston away at the Tony Macaroni Arena, a ground they have struggled in in the past.

This article was originally posted here