Murdo MacLeod: Celtic have 'recruited better than Rangers'

Celtic former midfielder and assistant manager Murdo MacLeod has come out in praise of Brendan Rodger’s summer signings and casting cold water Rangers hopes for Saturday’s Old Firm derby.

Putting it simply, MacLeod said “Celtic have brought in the higher-class player”.

Kolo Toure of during his pre-match warm up before the UEFA Champions League, Third Round, Second Leg between Celtic and Astana at Celtic Park. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers has brought in defender Kolo Toure (formerly of Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool), and Scott Sinclair (Man City, Aston Villa). MacLeod commented “When you are bringing players from Liverpool, boys who have played at Man City – it is good quality players they have brought in.”

He went on to add that “Celtic fans will be looking at their team and thinking they are a strong side, quicker, better and they can win the match.”

And who does MacLeod think will be the kingmaker? Celtic number 9 Leigh Griffiths (as long as he recovers from injury)

“In any Old Firm game, you need people who can score goals and, when you have got Griffiths fully fit, that is so important because I think he is the one that will get goals,” he said.

“Griffiths is the guy you look at that is going to score, whether from outside the box or inside the box. He is a predator and he will score goals for you at all levels.”

Bonus: Watch MacLeod’s goal in the 1982 League Cup Final against Rangers in our piece on Celtic’s five best goals against the old Rangers.