Celtic legend John Hartson says Rangers beating the Bhoys on Sunday does not signal a power shift in Scottish football.
The Scottish champions were handed a 2-0 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday, with goals from James Tavernier and Scott Arfield, either side of half-time, sealing the win for the hosts.
The humbling at Rangers was a first domestic defeat in 16 games for Neil Lennon's team, who successfully defended their title last weekend.
The defeat in their bitterest rivals' backyard will not change the outcome of the title race, but Lennon has still faced a lot of criticism in the aftermath of Sunday's result.
Celtic legend Hartson has jumped to the club's defence, claiming that a defeat, that, too, after the title has already been decided, will not make Rangers the best team in the country.
Discussing the future, Hartson wrote in his column for the Evening Times: "These players have done remarkably well over the last three seasons, but whoever the manager is next season, there has to be fresh investment.
"The defeat doesn’t signal a shift in the power base in Scotland though.
"We have won eight titles on the spin, Rangers haven’t won a trophy in god knows how many years, so with a bit of investment and a little bit of common sense, I think that Celtic will be in a really good place."
Hartson also feels that Celtic should be glad of the challenge from Rangers, which will make the Bhoys raise their own standards.
"We are still very much in command, even while recognising there will be a challenge now from Rangers.
"We should welcome that challenge and raise our own game accordingly."
Celtic take on Hearts in their last game of the league campaign on Sunday afternoon.
