John Brown: Rangers revival has Celtic running scared

Former Rangers defender John Brown claims Old Firm rivals Celtic only appointed Brendan Rodgers because they fear Mark Warburton is capable of blocking their attempt to win 10 league titles in a row.

Ronny Deila steered the Hoops to their fifth straight Scottish title but left at the end of the season after Rangers knocked his side out of the William Hill Scottish Cup on penalties in the semi-final.

Rangers have now booked their return to the top flight and Brown reckons the work done by Warburton at Ibrox has sparked alarm at Celtic.

Clyde Sport understands the former Liverpool boss is being paid around £50,000 a week but Brown says the Hoops have been forced to spend big because of Warburton's impact across the city.

He said: "I don't think it's just me that is excited about next season, it's the whole Rangers support. The new manager came in and did well last year and he's has already started adding to the squad for next season.

"I think you can see by what Celtic are doing across the city, bringing in Brendan Rodgers, they must be really worried by having Rangers back in the Premiership.

"Celtic have downsized the last couple of seasons. They cashed in on their big players because Rangers weren't in the top flight.

"There was only ever going to be one winner of the league when Rangers were in the lower divisions and that was Celtic. Forget Aberdeen. Derek McInnes has done a great job but he's not got the budget to really take it forward.

"I think what Celtic have brought in Brendan Rodgers because they see a real threat in Rangers.

"Celtic fans are looking to make it 10 in a row, which I don't think they will achieve. Rangers have been out of the league for a while and it's been pretty easy for Celtic. Now they have brought in Rodgers to keep the momentum going.

"I think he's a very good manager. He will improve Celtic, so Rangers will have a big fight on their hands next season.''

Rodgers' capture was a bold move by the Hoops but Rangers have shown their intent too by signing Joey Barton from Burnley.

While Brown admits Warburton could do with defensive reinforcements, he says Barton will provide his side with both brains and brawn next term.

"I think he will give us a bit of steel that we perhaps lacked last year,'' said Brown, who won nine straight titles during his Ibrox playing days.

"If you speak to the fans, they'll say we haven't got any hard players who put in tackles.

"Joey has got great experience but he's not a thug. He must be a good footballer or else he'd never had done what he has so far in his career.

"He will bring stability to the dressing room and the right experience.

"Rangers fans are buying tens of thousands of season tickets to see the team winning games and hopefully the title. We'll need guys like Joey Barton to calm it at the right time and keep everyone's feet on the ground.''