COMPETE WITH THE ELITE

John: Bren holds keys to title but now he must..

- CRAIG SWAN

JOHN BARNES believes Celtic are poised to win the title and book another automatic spot into the Champions League.

But the former Parkhead boss fears the days of seeing his old club regularly mixing with Europe's elite are now under serious threat.

Barnes saw two of his ex-employers suffer contrasting fortunes during a weekend of major change in the league races north and south of the border.

While Liverpool's slip has handed Manchester City the initiative, Celtic landed a big boost in their tilt for the Scottish crown with a win over St Mirren being followed by Rangers' disaster in Dingwall as the Light Blues lost to Ross County.

Barnes believes Gers' shock reverse has put Brendan Rodgers' side into a powerful position they will not squander.

The former England winger, who managed the Parkhead club for just 29 games in 1999, said: "At the moment Celtic have the advantage and I don't expect them to slip up.

"If you look at Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, the team that was on top has changed week to week.

"It's a similar situation in Scotland and if Rangers had beaten Motherwell a few weeks ago then you'd have to say that they would be strong favourites.

"You really expect Celtic and Rangers to win most of their matches and now Celtic are in the driving seat but Rangers have been in it before.

"Whoever has the advantage holds the keys to the title. So it's advantage Celtic."

Although Rodgers was unable to get over the title line during his time in charge at Anfield he has done the business already for the Hoops.