Derby win

Brown says Celtic would have beaten Rangers at Ibrox to go SIXTEEN points clear

SCOTT BROWN reckons Celtic would have defeated Rangers at Ibrox to go SIXTEEN points clear at the top of the Premiership.

The Hoops were due to travel to their Old Firm rivals in March but the game was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Neil Lennon's men boasted an unbeaten domestic record since their return from the winter shut down in January.

And skipper Brown believes his side would have picked up all three points at Rangers - and moved further ahead at the league summit.

He told Celtic's official website: "We were actually getting better and better as the season went on, and we wanted to extend our lead at the top.

"It was hard that the Friday before the Glasgow derby that the game was cancelled, because we were in a great position.

"If we'd won that, we'd have gone 16 points clear and we believe we'd have done that.

"We had Aberdeen in the semi-final [Scottish Cup], we were in great form, and it's just a shame that we couldn't have managed to squeeze that in as well.

"It is what it is, to be honest. We've had a great season and the fans have been phenomenal.

"They've backed us all the way, and this one is for them as well."

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Celtic lost to rivals Rangers in the final game of 2019 before jetting out to Dubai.

But 12 wins and one draw since their return saw them reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals and clinch nine-in-a-row.

And Brown says the Hoops proved that when they bounce back from defeat, they bounce back stronger.

He added: "Everyone knows we had a little blip at the end of December, but we went to Dubai, we came back and come every single game besides an away trip to Livingston which we drew.

"That shows you the lads' consistency and determination over the whole season that when we do get that defeat, you bounce back and you bounce back stronger - and that's what we've done."

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