Celtic revel in demonstration of widening of Old Firm gap
Celtic 3 Rangers 0
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Your support makes all the difference.Celtic added to the woes of administration-hit Rangers with a comprehensive win over their Old Firm rivals in their final Scottish Premier League meeting of the season at Parkhead.
Goals from defender Charlie Mulgrew and midfielder Kris Commons, his first of the season, gave the rampant champions a commanding half-time lead. Striker Gary Hooper scored with a thumping drive soon after the break and it looked for a spell as if the home side were going to hand out a real hammering to the Govan men.
However, three goals were enough for the celebrating Celtic fans who can brag of a 21-point lead over their old rivals, an indication of their superiority this season, even in light of the 10 points Rangers were deducted in February for entering administration.
Commons hailed an outstanding performance from his side. He said: "The win meant everything. They've beaten us twice this year, we'd beaten them once, so for us to put a performance in like that under the circumstances was brilliant.
"It's a local derby and you want to win. The boys put in a hell of a shift, to score three goals and not concede any is brilliant."
Goalscorer Hooper was equally impressed, saying: "It's nice to score against Rangers, I've scored a few but the performance today from everyone was magnificent."
The Rangers manager Ally McCoist admitted Celtic's win was deserved, but has nevertheless been impressed with the attitude his players have shown since the club went into administration. "The better team won on the day, we didn't deserve to," he said.
"We made it too easy for Celtic with the first two goals, and we certainly didn't pass the ball well enough so it's extremely disappointing.
"However, I have nothing but full admiration for every one of my players. They've been great. I wouldn't wish our position on any other football team but my players have been fantastic throughout."
McCoist also praised the impact the fans have made: "The fans have also been a tower of strength throughout the campaign, but especially since we went into administration.
"The players are very thankful for the support they've given us. We have three games left and we'll keep fighting."
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