NEW YEAR..NEW FEAR

Relentless Celtic look a scary prospect for every team they face and bitter rival's are next in their sights

- MICHAEL GANNON

THE "here we go, 10 in a row" chant rang around Celtic Park. It wasn't clear if the Hoops fans were on about titles or Rangers managers.

It might be both at this rate.

The punters are already taking a long-term view but it does seem like four on the spin is now inevitable regardless of what happens at Ibrox on Thursday.

Celts just look too strong for the rest right now. St Johnstone did as good a job as any holding up the Hoops but there was never any doubt where this was going.

Brendan Rodgers' side have been superbly grinding it out over the gruelling winter schedule.

But this was as slick a display as any in recent weeks - and could've been more than four.

Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda both notched their 14th goals of term to bookend Kyogo's double in the second half in a breeze at blustery Parkhead.

It was another flex from the champions, a sign they're warming up at just the right time.

Rangers need another derby like a hole in the head. Ibrox can't come quick enough for Celtic.

The only struggle Rodgers might have is who gets in his starting line-up with Arne Engels firing himself right into the frame with an actionpacked run-out against Saints.

It was the perfect end to a pretty perfect 2024 for the Hoops gaffer as his side rounded off the year with another victory. Celts lost just twice in the calendar 12 months against Hearts and Borussia Dortmund - and collected all three domestic trophies up for grabs.