Johnstone: Nochance of title race for Blues...

DEREK Johnstone believes Rangers have no chance of winning the title this season even if they cut Celtic’s lead at the top of the Premiership to just three points.

That incredible scenario could become reality a week on Sunday if the Ibrox side win the home Old Firm derby AND the Parkhead outfit cannot rearrange this week’s postponed home match with Dundee for next midweek.

Rangers currently sit only six points behind their old rivals, who have played one game fewer, prompting many supporters to hope their team can at least give the league leaders a run for their money for the first time in years.

But Rangers legend Johnstone still cannot see past anything other than Brendan Rodgers leading Celtic to a seventh league championship in a row.

Johnstone said: “I don’t think anyone thought it would be this close, but my

mind has not changed over the last few days. Celtic are going to win the league, and I know Rangers could go into the Old Firm game with six points the difference.

“Rangers have asked some questions but Celtic remain too good.

“Brendan Rodgers has the best players, the biggest squad, and that will prove to be the difference.”

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright, meanwhile jumped to the defence of his players who were criticised for some of their challenges at McDiarmid Park during Tuesday night’s 4-1 win for Rangers.

Jamie Murphy was left “frustrated and angry” by the Saints’ tackling after limping out of the 4-1 win.

The foot knock could jeopardise the on-loan Brighton attacker’s chances of a dream Old Firm debut next weekend.

But bemused Perth manager Wright said: “I was surprised to read quotes about Rangers being angry with our tackling.

“We haven’t been moaning about it. But if anything, we should have complaints, especially for the Morelos challenge on Anderson.

“Rangers gave away more fouls than we did. But there wasn’t one bad foul in the game.

“If anything, I’d have wanted my players to have made more tackles.”