'Fallen into Celtic's hands' - Pundit believes Hoops will win the title for one key reason

Celtic will pip Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title because of the latter’s Europa League exploits, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan.

The Hoops are looking to wrestle back their league crown from their most bitter rivals this season, with the current situation undoubtedly looking positive.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are six points clear at the top of the table with five league matches remaining, with the recent 2-1 win at Ibrox feeling enormous.

Not only that, but Rangers are now in the Europa League semi-finals, giving Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men something else to focus on.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan believes that Rangers’ involvement in Europe further plays into Celtic’s hands, which will ultimately lead to title glory:

“I think the fact Rangers prolonged their stay in Europe and Celtic were knocked out might have fallen into Celtic’s hands, quite frankly. I know you want to be in Europe. You want to push on in these best competitions as far as you possibly can.

“But I think when you’re looking at the rest and recuperation Celtic are getting, there’s strength in depth. The fact that they’ve got all their important players raring to go, fresh, I think being successful in Europe, sometimes plays into the opposition’s hands.

“It’s taken its toll. They travelled the week before, they come back again, they get the win but then they’ve got to go again on a Thursday evening in Europe. It’s then not long before their next game.

“When you look at it from Celtic’s point of view, they should be a lot fresher than Rangers.”

There is no denying that Celtic are the resounding favourites to win the league now and Whelan’s point is extremely valid.

The fact that Rangers have two huge semi-final legs