Hartley: Old Firm clash not the key

23 March 2009 17:36
Celtic remain in pole position with a three-point advantage at the summit, but Rangers are hoping home advantage will bolster their title hopes when they play host to the champions at Ibrox. The honours have been split so far, with both clubs claiming an away victory apiece in the famous fixture and sharing the points in a drab goalless affair at Parkhead in their last meeting. Both sides have shown they are more than capable of dropping points to other teams in the SPL which means, according to Hartley, the trip to the other side of Glasgow will not be a make or break game for Celtic. "It will play a part but I don't think it will be the deciding factor in the race for the championship," he said. Rangers appeared to have blown any hope of clawing themselves back into contention after surrendering a two-goal lead against an unimpressive Hearts side on Saturday, leaving many to question their stomach for the fight. But, rather than extend their own lead to five points, Celtic were forced to battle from behind to claim a point at Tannadice, leaving the title race wide open. Both clubs have spoken of the need for consistency and the danger of dropping any more points but Hartley fully expects further drama in the weeks ahead. He said: "We have said since day one it will probably go to the wire again, like it did last season. "We've had opportunities to stretch the gap and we haven't taken them. It makes it exciting for everyone. "We have nine games left and it's in our own hands to retain the title." Both Celtic and Rangers have been criticised for being poor this season but Hartley believes the other clubs deserve credit for having a go at the Old Firm. "Any team you play against now makes it difficult for you," he said. "The games we have had against Dundee United over the season have been great matches and it was another good game yesterday. "You are not going to get points easily in the SPL and other teams are going to make it difficult for you."

Source: Team_Talk