Scottish Premiership: Old Firm ‘inseparable’ in Scottish Premiership bid | Football news
Kenny Miller believes the Old Firm is “indivisible” after Celtic and Rangers both claimed victory on the opening weekend of the new Scottish Premiership season.
Celtic kicked off their title defense with a comfortable 2-0 win over Aberdeen while Rangers from behind beat Livingston 2-1.
Miller, who has played for both teams, is expecting a close competition this season as club Ibrox try to reclaim the title from a Celtic team unbeaten in 33 league games.
“If I had to choose clearly, I would say Rangers, but I think at this point they are inseparable,” said the former striker. Sky Sports News.
“I think both teams are really strong but I just think that when you haven’t won last season you have to respond next season.”
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side were stunned by Livingston’s early goal but scored twice in the second half to secure the win.
Miller added: “Livingston has always been a tough place to go and David Martindale has set them up pretty well.
“When you’re playing on the field, it slows the game down a lot, so Rangers might find that it’s a slower tempo than they’d like.
“They got the job done and that’s the most important thing on the opening day of the season.”
There was no problem for Celtic as manager Ange Postecoglou insisted they should have scored more than two goals against Aberdeen.
“Celtic was brilliant, they were in total control of the game,” Miller said.
“A great goal from Jota on the opening day of the season and he was a constant threat throughout his pass.
“They added really, really well in the summer, but that’s the strength and depth of the team.
“It’s the team that lifted the title last season, but with new players coming in from the bench, the squad looks much healthier than it did last season.”
Motherwell may have a chance with Hammell
Steven Hammell will be speaking to Motherwell executives next week after cutting his summer break short to win over St Mirren.
Youth coach Fir Park has less than 48 hours to prepare for the Paisley trip following the departure of Graham Alexander following Motherwell’s defeat to Sligo Rovers in the Europa Conference League.
Miller believes Hammell, who is yet to manage at any level, can still convince the club to give him a chance.
“I would expect someone else to come, already there are a number of names mentioned,” he said.
“But the longer it drags on and Steven might go into the match against St Johnstone next week and win it, you never know.
“Two wins at the start of the season will probably put him on the list more, but I’m sure Motherwell and the fans will want to get something tied up pretty quickly.”