Kris Boyd in total Rangers write off as Celtic handed the title before Philippe Clement told what to 'worry' about

Kris Boyd has laughed off the chances of Rangers recovering from a poor start to mount any sort of title challenge to Celtic.

He reckons that his old team now have their work cut out to try and claim the runner's up spot ahead of Aberdeen after a return of just 23 points from their first 12 matches. That has left the Light Blues trailing their city rivals at the top of the table by 11 points, with a nine point gap currently separating them from Jimmy Thelin's Dons.

Former striker-turned pundit Boyd has already voiced his lack of confidence in Ibrox boss Philippe Clement and has ruled out any notion that the Light Blues can string together a run of results that would trouble Celtic. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I think you can write off Rangers mounting a title challenge this season, it's been really, really poor so far. For anybody still speaking about a title race in Scotland, there is absolutely no chance, Rangers have got a fight on their hands with Aberdeen to finish second.

"They (Rangers) need to worry about themselves. The performances need to get better and they need to start picking up points on a regular basis because it's not good enough. Celtic are in a really good place and Aberdeen for me will fight it out with Rangers for second place."

A saving grace for Clement has been in the Europa League. Seven points from the first four matches have given the Gers a real chance in progressing to the knockout rounds and ex goal hero Boyd says it wouldn't shock him if the Belgian could come away from the clash with Nice on the continent with a positive result.

He added: "When you look at Rangers form in the league, it's been really poor. But in Europe they've been very good. It wouldn't surprise me if Rangers go