As the new Scottish Premiership season approaches, former Celtic star Jackie McNamara has predicted that the Hoops will secure their fourth consecutive league title.
However, the Parkhead legend believes it's crucial for other clubs to mount a stronger challenge to the reigning champions and their rivals, Rangers - citing both Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian as potential wildcards.
"I think Celtic will retain the title because I think they've got the best squad and a top manager that's been through it," the ex-defender told BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"The core of the players there have experienced it, they know how to win and get over the line.
"I think there will be a couple of dark horses this year in terms of pushing, which I hope there is because I think it would be good for the game.
Read more:
-
Celtic midfield star Reo Hatate eyeing move to top European league
-
Brendan Rodgers refuses to rush Celtic transfers and plays down Idah pursuit
"I'd like to see Hibs do a lot better, they should be a top six team. David Gray has been given the chance permanently this time which I think they had to do. He's been interim quite a few times and did well.
"At Hearts, I've been really impressed with how Naismith goes about his business and tries to play. He gives young ones a chance as well and they've strengthened. I think it's going to be a good season but it's hard to see past Celtic."
Elaborating more on how he believes Celtic's 2024/25 season will go, McNamara claimed he would sacrifice winning another domestic Treble if it meant a better performance in the Champions League.
UEFA's premier competition has undergone a huge revamp and will Celtic's participation among the new league phase will begin in September.
"Yeah, 100 percent," McNamara stated. "I think we get used to Trebles over the years. To crack Europe, that's the only time they'll get real credit for doing very well.
"I think for Brendan as well, his European record hasn't been great, it'd be good for him to go and make his mark in that and take the club to the next level. I think that's when he'd get real recognition for what he's done."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here