Rangers slip leaves Celtic odds-on for hat-trick

RANGERS' failure to win at Fir Park yesterday has convinced the bookmakers that Celtic are now overwhelming favourites to lift the SPL title for the third year in a row. William Hill prices the Parkhead club at 2/9, with Rangers out to 3/1.

A win for Gordon Strachan's side against Dundee United at Tannadice on Thursday should be enough to win the league. Celtic are now three points clear of Rangers who have a game in hand against St Mirren at Love Street tomorrow. Crucially, Celtic also enjoy a seven-goal advantage over their oldest rivals.

Rangers, whose final game is against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Thursday, could end up losing the title on goal difference.

Strachan, a target for criticism from fans and pundits for much of the season, now finds himself on the brink of becoming the first Celtic manager since Jock Stein to win the Scottish championship in three successive seasons.

Strachan, who succeeded Martin O'Neill at Celtic Park in the summer of 2005, won the league and League Cup in his first season in charge and the league and the Scottish Cup last season.