Rangers fans will love Celtic dig fired straight after Dundee United defeat

Rangers may still be some way off their ultimate ambitions, but they can at least take comfort in the fact that they are no longer the butt of jokes in Scottish football.

Their 1-0 victory over Hibernian has stretched the Gers’ unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership to 11 matches.

While that sequence contains more draws than a genuine title challenger would like, there is little doubt that Danny Röhl has brought renewed stability and direction since taking charge at Ibrox.

Across the city, however, the picture is far more troubling. Wilfried Nancy’s tenure at Celtic continues to come under intense scrutiny after another damaging defeat, with early questions already being raised about how long he can last at Parkhead.

Celtic supporters took plenty of pleasure in Rangers’ struggles during Russell Martin’s spell in charge, but the situation has now flipped.

The Bhoys have suffered four straight losses, going down to Hearts, Roma, St Mirren and Dundee United, piling pressure on Nancy and leaving fans shocked by the dramatic decline in performances.

Matters were not helped earlier this week when an X account believed to belong to Nancy shared a cryptic image, sparking frustration among Celtic supporters.

Following the defeat to Dundee United, the account was set to private — a decision that appeared justified when Dundee United released their full-time graphic in a similar style, a clear swipe at both Nancy and Celtic.

While Rangers fans will relish seeing their fiercest rivals falter, they are well aware there is still significant work to be done at Ibrox.

Brendan Rodgers’ departure from Celtic initially came as a surprise, but Martin O’Neill’s appointment played a key role in steadying the club during a turbulent period. In hindsight, had O’Neill remained at Parkhead, Celtic might now be enjoying a lengthy unbeaten run — something Rangers supporters will be relieved has not come to pass.

For now, the media spotlight is firmly fixed on Celtic’s struggles, giving Rangers the breathing space to concentrate on their own progress and address weaknesses without relentless external pressure.