I don’t like saying that- Richard Gough’s big Celtic confession

Richard Gough was sounding like the Rev IM Jolly when he spoke to the Daily Record.

Based on the west coast of the USA the former Rangers captain can take a more detached view of current events unlike many of the current pundits who seem to be trapped in an echo chamber.

With Celtic winning three of the last four domestic trophies and Michael Beale unable to better Ange Postecoglou in three attempts it isn’t difficult to detect a pattern emerging.

Beale is preparing for what is likely to be a big summer overhaul but Gough has a blunt message to the Ibrox boss as he explained to the Daily Record:

I look at managers talking about all these formations nowadays, but if you’ve got great players, most of the time you’re going to win the games. Celtic have got better players at the moment, and I don’t like saying that.

Gough was equally blunt when he assessed James Tavernier and his celebrated goal scoring record:

I look at Tavernier playing as a full back and scoring more than 100 goals for the club. That’s unbelievable – an incredible achievement. But he’s only managed to get a couple of trophies. I would guarantee he’d rather have 10 trophies in his pocket than 100 goals. That’s what you’re remembered for.

I won 18 trophies with Rangers and I look at our team now and wonder where we are going to get the trophies from. It has been sad for our club since 2012. We were worried about losing everything at that time.

Having won 15 of the last 19 domestic trophies there is real momentum in Celtic’s trophy winning ability, a win at Hampden in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup in 11 days will put the hoops within touching distance of a record breaking eighth treble.