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John Hartson has rubbished Rangers' chances of challenging Celtic and insists Steven Gerrard 's side won't even finish second.

The former Celtic striker has tipped his old club to cruise to eight-in-a-row and reckons it'll be Aberdeen who once again take runners-up spot.

Hartson believes Rangers haven't shown the Dons enough respect and insists the Pittodrie men should be Gerrard's biggest worry - not Celtic .

Asked if he expected a Premiership title challenge from the Ibrox side, Hartson told BT Sport : "No chance, I still think it'll be 15 points. And I think Aberdeen will finish second."

(Image: SNS Group)

A 1-0 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead earlier this month was Rangers ' first loss under Gerrard.

But Hartson was unimpressed with the Light Blues' showing against their rivals and claims they've been overhyped.

He said: "It was all hyped. They had a big point to prove in terms of 'can they go up against Celtic toe-for-toe?' They clearly showed that they can't.

"The result should've been four or five, if it wasn't for McGregor.

"Celtic hit the bar four times, hit the post. It was an annihilation, I have to say that.

"Neil Lennon said as well, there's still a lot to do, alot of hype around Gerrard coming.

"They had some good results in the Europa League, I'm not denying that, but I still think they're a million miles behind Celtic."