Boli on ice as Gers now face new test of title credentials

NOT since Basile played his part in a title win 25 years ago had a Boli been the toast of Ibrox.

But that was the case when disgraced Boli Bolingoli landed Celtic in it with his sneaky whirlwind trip to Spain.

With two fixtures postponed due to his Covid rule-busting jaunt he could have caused real damage to the Hoops’ 10-in-a-row bid.

His act of folly gave Rangers the chance to go 11 points clear at the top before the champions were next in domestic action.

Psychologically that could have been huge, even at such an early stage in the season, with the old cliche of points on the board being better than games in hand.

But Steven Gerrard’s side didn’t get the chance to see how Celtic would have reacted to trailing by double digits after slipping up at the second hurdle when they were held to a goalless draw at Livingston.

The Ibrox side recovered to take maximum points from their next three games, scoring eight without reply to break a 114-year defensive record.

Despite that they could go into their next league match trailing Celtic for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.

It shows how things can change in the space of just one month – also highlighted by the fact Bolingoli himself has gone from Celtic pariah to the Champions League following his loan move to Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.

Rangers’ change in position might not be as dramatic but from the prospect of being 11 points clear to potentially trailing on goal difference by Saturday teatime is quite a shift.

But assuming Celtic win their next two games against Covid-hit

St Mirren tomorrow and Livingston at Parkhead on Saturday, it gives Gerrard’s men the opportunity to show their title mettle.

It will be their turn to answer any questions when they travel to Hibs for Sunday’s high noon kick-off and show they mean serious business in a pressure-filled season.

The fact Hibs could draw level on points with a home win after an impressive start to the season makes it arguably the biggest test of the campaign so far for Gerrard’s men.

Having had their character questioned following last season’s collapse, a victory of any description would be significant given last month’s Livingston stalemate saw critics

With squad stretched by injuries and Hibs flying it’ll be a real examination

predict a rerun of their low-block struggles.

Europe is on Gerrard’s mind as his squad fly to Gibraltar for Thursday’s qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps. But they’ll have one eye on domestic preparations with Celtic in Paisley for the first of the two rearranged games due to Bolingoli’s actions.

A trip to Easter Road is a tough test at the best of times but with the Ibrox squad stretched due to injuries and Hibs flying high, it will be a real examination.

But it gives Rangers the chance to show they mean business with another tricky trip to Fir Park seven days later and only a home clash with Ross County before the first Old Firm game of the season.