Celtic fans declare pre-season victory over Rangers but Hotline callers pause gloating over lingering Joe Hart fear

There are no trophies handed out in pre-season but Celtic fans feel confident they have had the better build up to this week’s big kick-off.

Brendan Rodgers’s side drew with Wolves in Dublin while Rangers came from two behind to finish 2-2 in Hoffenheim. But Hoops fans reckon they have a head start. Henry Moffat, Stirling, said: “Great performance by Celtic in Dublin where they were the better team against a strong Wolves line up and should have won but for one of their players pulling off a laughable ‘Cantwell’. The new signings all look impressive unlike Rangers' new boys who were outclassed for most of the game by a team who just dodged relegation last season.”

Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “Friendly matches won’t give us much indication of how good teams will be this season but I thought Celtic played a lot of good stuff against Wolves but not the greatest in defence. But what we did learn is Kyogo will score a load of goals and as always Rangers will get loads of penalties.”

But David Bryce, Troon, said: “There are good signs for Celtic however Joe Hart is a huge problem in goal. Rodgers has to get ruthless and trim the squad and buy better quality. The defensive options are an absolute joke at the minute.”

Michael Beale’s new look Rangers are still a work in progress with so many new signings. Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “Depending on Beale's playing system, forwards Lammers, Dessers and Danilo may spend time on the bench but it would be better to see the three of them start together.

“Last season it was poor with one striker, Gers couldn't score near enough goals. They must start on the front foot against Kilmarnock.”

Dr Robert S Pender emailed: “Rangers' weak link is full backs. In the next six games