Derek Riordan says Celtic are the stronger team and will win the Scottish Premiership title this season. The former striker gave his verdict after the champions suffered three consecutive defeats before the international break.
Riordan was unequivocal in his assessment. "I think Celtic are the stronger team," he said. "I think Celtic are better than Rangers, that's 100 per cent. And Hearts, aye." He backed manager Martin O’Neill to turn things around, describing him as a brilliant manager who has been there and done it. Riordan remains convinced Celtic have Scotland’s best squad and will get back to winning football.
Assessment of new forwards
Riordan evaluated the performances of new signings Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh. He said Duran has done the job up front and is the number nine if he scores goals. Duran is the club's top scorer this season with three goals in seven appearances. Riordan said Hogh needs to get going but will come good, especially given the money spent on him. On the wings, he said he would keep Yang and Hayseed Hassan.
Future role and connection
Riordan ruled out a managerial return but expressed interest in a specific coaching role. "No, no, never for me," he said. "The only thing I would possibly do is just be a striker coach." He said he would enjoy working on finishing with the players. Riordan spoke after returning to the club’s colours at the Tennent’s Sixes tournament.
The recent run has been challenging, with defeats to Rangers and Ferencvarosi TC. Rangers secured a 1-0 league win at Celtic Park on September 20, with Ryan Naderi scoring the only goal. That came a week after a 3-0 Premier Sports Cup loss at Ibrox. Despite this, Celtic still lead the Premiership with 18 points from seven games, two points clear of Rangers. Martin O’Neill’s side return to action away to Motherwell on October 11.
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