Sutton stuns Celtic fans by ranking Hoops third behind Hearts and Rangers

For much of the past decade and beyond, Celtic supporters have grown accustomed to success arriving almost as routine. League titles have often been wrapped up early, usually with a clear gap between the Hoops and the rest of the Premiership. This season, however, has unfolded very differently. Even if Martin O’Neill does manage to steer Celtic to a 56th league crown, it is shaping up to be one of the most demanding and uncomfortable title wins the club has faced in modern times.

That reality was underlined again at the weekend when Celtic, reduced to ten men, were held to a 2–2 draw by Hearts at Tynecastle. The result was damaging not only because points were dropped, but because it saw Celtic slip into third place in the Premiership standings. As the Hoops battled to hold on in Edinburgh, Rangers were simultaneously cruising to a convincing 3–0 victory over Dundee at Ibrox, tightening an already congested title race and increasing the pressure on O’Neill’s side.

Watching events unfold, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton did not hold back when asked to assess the current state of the championship battle. Speaking on BBC Radio 606, Sutton offered a blunt and perhaps uncomfortable verdict for Celtic fans by ranking the title contenders — and placing his former club behind both Hearts and Rangers.

Hearts, according to Sutton, are currently setting the pace and deserve to be regarded as favourites. Their resilience and consistency have kept them at the summit for much of the campaign, and their ability to grind out results has impressed many observers. Sutton believes they have earned their position at the front of the pack.

In the discussion, Robbie Savage highlighted the dramatic nature of Hearts’ late equaliser against Celtic and questioned how significant the day had been for Rangers, who capitalised fully with a dominant win. Sutton agreed it was a pivotal moment in the season, pointing to just how tight the Premiership has become. He referenced the work being done by managers across the league and suggested the margins separating the top three are now extremely fine.

When pressed directly on who he believes will lift the trophy, Sutton was unequivocal. He stated that Hearts are his current favourites, with Rangers close behind in second. Celtic, somewhat remarkably given their recent dominance, were placed third in his pecking order. It was a striking assessment, particularly coming from someone so closely associated with the club’s most successful era.

Sutton’s comments reflect a wider concern about Celtic’s overall performances this season. While results have not been disastrous, there is a growing sense that the team has been patchy, vulnerable, and at times reliant on individual moments rather than cohesive dominance. Even in matches they have won, Celtic have often looked far from convincing.

Despite that, Sutton was keen to make one thing clear: if Celtic fail to reclaim the title, responsibility should not fall at the feet of Martin O’Neill. The veteran manager, revered for his past achievements at Parkhead, returned to steady the ship after a turbulent period. Sutton stressed that there is only so much even a figure of O’Neill’s stature can fix, particularly when deeper structural issues remain unresolved.

In his view, O’Neill has inherited a squad with clear limitations. While the manager’s influence has brought some stability, Sutton argued that cracks within the team have been evident for some time. Performances, rather than league position alone, have revealed just how fragile Celtic can be, especially against strong opposition.

During the same conversation, Savage asked Sutton what message he would have for O’Neill should Celtic fall short in the title race. Sutton responded by deflecting blame away from the manager and instead pointing towards the club’s recruitment strategy. Since O’Neill’s return, Celtic have made just one signing — a centre-forward who featured against Hearts and played a role in creating their second goal. Sutton suggested that was nowhere near enough reinforcement for a team expected to compete on multiple fronts.

He reiterated a point he has made consistently throughout the season: the January transfer window could be decisive in determining the destination of the title. According to Sutton, Hearts have shown ambition in the market, while Rangers have also strengthened effectively. Celtic, by contrast, appear to have stood still.

In a season where fine margins are likely to decide everything, Sutton believes squad depth and quality additions will be crucial. Hearts’ willingness to do business, combined with Rangers’ smart recruitment, could give them the edge as the campaign reaches its decisive phase.

For Celtic, the challenge is clear. Improvement is required not just in results, but in performances, cohesion, and belief. O’Neill may still yet deliver silverware, but Sutton’s assessment serves as a stark warning: Celtic are no longer the clear standard-bearers of Scottish football this season, and unless they respond decisively, the title could slip from their grasp.