McLeish says Celtic still in race

McLeish says Gordon Strachan can retain his title

Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish says Celtic can still retain the SPL title but conceded that their Old Firm rivals remain in pole position.

The final Old Firm derby of the season takes place on Sunday and McLeish reckons it is once again a must-win for his old adversaries.

"Rangers have had a torrid fixture list which is due to their success," he said. "They've had a fantastic season.

"But Gordon Strachan did himself a power of good winning the last derby."

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scored in second-half injury time of last week's Old Firm derby to seal a 2-1 win for Celtic and re-ignite their championship hopes.

And former Scotland boss McLeish says, but for that, the title would already be on its way across Glasgow.

"Other than that last minute victory over Rangers, I think it would definitely be over," he added.

"There's a little doubt about it now but the resiliance Rangers showed against Fiorentina, and with all their injuries, showed me they will edge it.

"Sunday will be a huge ask for Rangers again as I think they'll still have players missing.

"Walter Smith would probably be the happier man if they come away with a draw."

McLeish believes there is every chance Celtic manager Gordon Strachan can mastermind a second victory over Rangers in 11 days.

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And the Birmingham City boss admits it is another must-win match for his former Aberdeen team-mate.

"With Rangers depleted, you can't rule out Celtic winning this one and it going right to the wire again," he said.

"It's been a good fight-back by Celtic, but Rangers' fixture schedule has been horrendous.

"And that's what has thwarted them and made them stumble a little bit in these final few weeks."