Johan Mjalby certainly triggered a debate when he claimed that Martin O’Neill’s treble winners were far superior to the current Celtic side.
There’s nothing that Celtic fans like better than a debate comparing teams and managers safe in the knowledge that no one will ever be able to come up with the definite answer.
Debates between the merits of O’Neill and Gordon Strachan were particularly lively. On the stats side there was three consecutive titles and back-to-back appearances in the last 16 of the Champions League to compare against the emotional pull of the Seville season.
The new debate is particularly difficult since O’Neill and Rodgers put their sides out in vastly different formations, other than in goals there are few direct comparisons.
Domestic results are difficult to compare as the success of one side is largely down to the challenge from Ibrox, to find a fairer way to assess teams it’s often required to take a look at European performances.
In his first season O’Neill’s side beat Jeunesse Esch comfortably, got past HJK Helsinki in extra time then were knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Bordeuax.
Rodgers side have been more successful in Europe this season, seeing off Lincoln Red Imps, Astana and Hapoel Beer Sheva then drawing home and away with Manchester City, picking up a point away to Borussia Monchengladbach and home and away defeats from Barcelona.
Would a combined team be able to reach the last eight of the Champions League? Like the best debates we’ll never find an answer.