---
title: "Scott Allan: Rangers have physical edge over Celtic"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/09/28/scott-allan-rangers-physical-edge-celtic"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lucie Turner"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-09-28T13:03:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-28T13:03:00Z"
---

# Scott Allan: Rangers have physical edge over Celtic

## Scott Allan highlights Rangers physical dominance over Celtic

The Scott Allan Rangers-Celtic verdict has cut through the usual Old Firm noise this week. Speaking while promoting the SPFL Tennent’s Sixes event at Braehead Arena on October 3 and 4, the former Celtic midfielder delivered a blunt assessment of where power now lies in Glasgow’s biggest rivalry.

Allan won a Premiership title with Celtic under Ronny Deila in 2015-16. His read on the champions carries weight. His conclusion will please anyone connected to Ibrox. Derek McInnes’ side have found a physical edge that Celtic simply cannot answer.

> “The first win was a real statement from Rangers. It gave them belief that, physically, they have got Celtic’s number. LASK did as well. I think Celtic are really struggling in the middle of the park. Ultimately, you can’t make yourself bigger or stronger.”

Rangers sit two points behind Celtic at the top of the table. A gap that looked far wider only a few weeks ago. That context matters when weighing up the [title gap between the rivals](https://readrangers.com/2026/09/23/barry-ferguson-rangers-celtic-title-gap). It explains why Allan’s comments have landed with such force among supporters who sense momentum shifting.

## Celtic tactical shift exposes underlying midfield vulnerability

For Allan, the physical mismatch is only part of the story. He believes Celtic’s players have been left exposed once Rangers apply pressure. There is no obvious plan to play through it.

> “So when you know that somebody is physically better than you. What you do on the ball has to be so much better. You have to have a way of playing through that aggression and that pressure.”

That lack of an answer showed up in Celtic’s approach for the second derby. Rather than stick with their usual attacking blueprint, they abandoned it altogether against a Rangers side set up in a back three, a shape confirmed in our report on the [confirmed lineup against Celtic at Ibrox](https://readrangers.com/2026/09/13/confirmed-rangers-team-lineup-celtic-ibrox).

> “To turn up in the second game and go away from everything you identify with Celtic – 4-3-3, ball to the wingers and looking to go and create – and look to go more direct against a Rangers 3-5-2, was telling. And yet to no avail… no performance and no result.”

Allan’s point is simple. Celtic changed shape because they knew a straight fight through midfield was one they were losing, and the alternative brought no reward either.

## Data reveals comfortable second half as Rangers control derby

Nowhere was that imbalance clearer than in the second half at Celtic Park, according to Allan. Rangers, he says, were rarely stretched once they settled into the contest.

> “Looking at the second half of the league game there, Rangers looked as if they were sitting in second gear.”

Allan went further, pointing to the shot count as proof the scoreline flattered Celtic rather than Rangers.

> “They were that comfortable – Celtic just could not lay a glove on them. That reflects in the shots on target that they had and Rangers were unfortunate not to be two or three goals better off than they were. Overall, I felt it was really comfortable for Rangers throughout the two games.”

Allan’s assessment, delivered [speaking to the Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-biggest-weakness-statement-rangers-37710388), backs up what Rangers supporters have felt watching both derbies unfold: control without needing top gear, and a Celtic side unable to force the issue.

## International break gives McInnes platform to push champions

Allan also addressed how quickly the mood around Ibrox has changed. Only weeks ago, McInnes’ position was under scrutiny after a difficult run.

> “This has certainly been different this season, hasn’t it? If you had asked people three weeks ago about the two Old Firm games, everybody was thinking it could be the end for Derek.”

> “Ultimately he put a run of games together. It hasn’t always been brilliant by Rangers in those games. But once you can start winning them, it just puts you in the right direction.”

Celtic’s own manager situation has faced scrutiny too. Martin O’Neill raised doubts about his future after three defeats in eight days, before the board moved to back him. Allan was sympathetic to the frustration but pointed to the standard expected at the club.

> “I wasn’t surprised to hear that from Martin. When you’re a guy who has the standing he has at that club, then he has every right to have those feelings after a game. But he is manager of Celtic Football Club and fans want better performance.”

> “That is not something you would associate with Celtic. But it’s interesting.”

With both clubs now facing an international break, Allan believes the pause offers a chance for reflection at a pivotal point in the title race. This Scott Allan Rangers Celtic analysis suggests McInnes’ side are best placed to use it.

> “This international break has come at a good time for a clubs looking to see where they’re going to go from here.”

Allan was speaking while promoting the SPFL Tennent’s Sixes, which takes place at the Braehead Arena on October 3 and 4.