Winning Old Firm derbies will only take you so far... we stopped 10-in-a-row by taking care of all the other games

SAYS CELTS '98 TITLE HERO MARC RIEPER

- FRASER WILSON

MARC RIEPER knows only too well that a derby deficit doesn't always mean falling short in the chase for silverware.

Or that bookies paying out on a champion after just a few games means the winnings won't be dished out elsewhere nine months later.

The former Celtic defender is watching the current Premiership title race unfold with interest from his home back in Denmark.

And the warning signs are glaring for his old club that cleaning up bragging rights on derby day doesn't mean sweeping up medals in May.

Brendan Rodgers' side may have won their two meetings so far with Rangers and have enjoyed an eight-point lead after the second of those little over a month ago.

But that counts for nothing when business isn't being taken care of elsewhere.

After shipping 16 points to the rest of the top flight, their perch at the top of the table has finally been relinquished for the first time this season.

And Rieper can see the similarities to his first season after arriving at Parkhead in 1997 from West Ham. Only in reverse.

Back then the Hoops - who for years had been the second force in Glasgow were written off before August was even done after losing their first two league games to Hibs and Dunfermline.

But Wim Jansen's side fought back to take the title and destroy their rivals' 10-in-a-row dream even though they won just four points from 12 in the four Old Firm clashes.