Key Points
- Former Rangers and Middlesbrough midfielder Kevin Thomson believes Celtic’s squad depth and ability to produce individual match-winners could prove to be the ultimate defining factor in the Scottish Premiership title race.
- Celtic manager Martin O’Neill’s side recently demonstrated their devastating attacking potency in a 7-1 demolition of Hearts at Celtic Park, extending their lead at the top of the table to four points.
- The Hoops feature an array of attacking options including Camilo Durán, Callum Osmand, Haissem Hassan, and Benjamin Nygren, alongside returning winger Jota and record signing Kasper Høgh.
- Thomson has openly challenged current Rangers players—specifically pointing to Minsu Kim and Djeidi Gassama—to step up and become the “hero” capable of reaching double figures to match Celtic’s frontline output.
- Following Rangers dropping points at Dens Park, Thomson stressed that the Light Blues cannot afford to grant Celtic any more “free-hit Sundays” if they intend to reclaim the league title.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) October 24, 2026 – As reported by Anthony Brown of the Glasgow Times, former Rangers and Middlesbrough star Kevin Thomson has laid down a direct challenge to his former club, identifying Celtic’s wealth of decisive match-winners as the potential defining factor in this season’s Scottish Premiership title race. Speaking in a joint debate alongside former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew, Thomson highlighted that while Rangers possess substantial squad quality, they currently lack the sheer volume of proven goalscorers capable of consistently deciding high-stakes encounters in the crucial moments.
As reported by The National, Thomson expressed concern over who will step forward to be “that guy” for the Ibrox side following recent slip-ups. While Celtic showed off their vast attacking arsenal in a recent 7-1 thrashing of Hearts at Celtic Park, Rangers saw their seven-game winning streak halted after failing to capitalise on dominance at Dens Park. Thomson emphasized that whilst long-term transfer target Lawrence Shankland might have provided a guaranteed 25 goals a season, his ongoing injury leaves Rangers searching for new attacking leadership to sustain their title challenge.
Why Is Celtic’s Attacking Depth Causing Concern at Ibrox?
The stark contrast in attacking depth between the two Glasgow giants was laid bare during Celtic’s emphatic weekend performance. Under manager Martin O’Neill, the Parkhead side showcased a frontline that can score from virtually any area of the pitch.
In their recent 7-1 victory over Hearts, Celtic’s attacking unit operated with ruthless efficiency. Summer signing Callum Osmand and Swedish midfielder Benjamin Nygren each grabbed doubles, complemented by strikes from Kieran Tierney and Camilo Durán, as well as creative line-breaking play from winger Haissem Hassan.
With Portuguese winger Jota returning to action from injury and record-signing striker Kasper Høgh providing impact off the bench, Celtic currently possess half a dozen players capable of match-winning moments. As reported by The National, Thomson noted that having such a clinical cutting edge simplifies matches for the league leaders, ensuring that individual defensive errors rarely result in dropped points.
How Have Rangers Been Challenged to Respond by Kevin Thomson?
To counter Celtic’s attacking output, Thomson has called upon Rangers’ younger and newly arrived attacking talents to share the scoring burden. As reported by The Glasgow Times, Thomson singled out 20-year-old South Korean winger Minsu Kim and wide player Djeidi Gassama, insisting both players must aim to break into double figures for the season.
As reported by The Glasgow Times, Thomson stated regarding Kim’s recent displays:
“Apart from putting the ball in the net, he’s done everything else. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s one of those players who, when he eventually gets his first goal, settles and it gives him a taste for it. When he samples that feeling of scoring for the club, he’ll go on and score many more.”
Thomson added that players deployed in advanced positions for Rangers must accept being judged strictly on their output:
“They’re not all going to score 25, but Minsu and Gassama should be trying to break that double-figure marker. That’s what you get judged on if you’re playing in that area of the pitch.”
Furthermore, as reported by Anthony Brown of the Glasgow Times, Thomson warned Rangers that they cannot afford to grant Celtic any more unforced errors or “free-hit Sundays” if they are to successfully reel in their rivals at the top of the table.
Background of the Development
The current dynamic in the Scottish Premiership stems from a pivotal set of fixtures that created a four-point gap at the summit of the table. Celtic entered their weekend fixture against Hearts under pressure following a heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat to Benfica. However, O’Neill’s side responded emphatically by scoring five first-half goals at Parkhead, ultimately securing a 7-1 victory that re-established their dominance at the top of the standings.
Conversely, Rangers saw their momentum disrupted after dropping two crucial points against Dundee. Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities and dominating possession, a lapse in concentration combined with a lack of clinical edge in front of goal ended their seven-game winning run. With key forward options recovering from injuries, the burden of goalscoring has fallen onto summer recruits and developmental prospects, sparking debate among pundits over whether Ibrox currently possesses the necessary firepower to sustain a title fight.
Prediction: How Will This Development Affect Rangers, Celtic, and the Title Race?
Impact on Rangers
The challenge laid down by Thomson places immediate pressure on Rangers’ manager and forward line to refine their execution in the final third. If wide players like Minsu Kim and Djeidi Gassama fail to hit the double-figure target, Rangers will likely remain over-reliant on central strikers, making their attack predictable against deep defensive blocks. Continued inefficiency could see the four-point gap widen before the January transfer window, potentially forcing the Ibrox board into expensive winter acquisitions to reinforce the frontline.
Impact on Celtic
For Celtic, the multi-faceted nature of their attack provides significant tactical insurance. As rotation becomes necessary across domestic and European commitments, Martin O’Neill can interchange forwards like Osmand, Durán, and Høgh without suffering a drop in goals. This sheer depth allows Celtic to navigate fixture congestion smoothly, maintaining high scoring margins that enhance both their goal difference and overall psychological edge in the title race.
Impact on the Premiership Supporters
For the supporters of both clubs, Thomson’s analysis highlights that the destination of the league trophy will likely be decided not just in Old Firm head-to-head derbies, but in how effectively each side dispatches mid-table opposition. Rangers fans will expect an immediate, aggressive response from their young attackers, while Celtic supporters will anticipate their team continuing to set a relentless scoring pace at the top of Scottish football.
