Celtic icon Chris Sutton reckons Philippe Clement is the real deal who gives Rangers an authority which was posted missing under Michael Beale.

The leading pundit has branded the former Ibrox boss a “bluffer” and is convinced Brendan Rodgers’ champions are facing a stiff test as he duked out with on-air sparring partner Kris Boyd ahead of the mouthwatering showdown at High Noon on Sunday. Sutton – speaking to Sky Sports – joked: “Well, according to Kris, Rangers have already won it. He makes Rangers favourites and (thinks) it’s theirs to lose.

Boyd responded: “I do expect Rangers to win the league. I think going into an Old Firm game at home, you’ve got to fancy yourselves, I think under Philippe Clement they have turned it around, they do look a different team altogether, home advantage could be key. But we have seen it before with Celtic, the pace they have got at the top end of the pitch. Kyogo’s movement, Maeda, they are going to have to defend really well. I am looking forward to it.”

When asked the importance for Clement to emerge victorious, Boyd was unequivocal on the need for the Belgian and his players to reign supreme on Sunday. He added: “Huge, not only for himself, I think for the title race. You have got a chance at home, it gives you that opportunity to get that first victory over Celtic. Looking at Rangers, they are in a good place.”

Sutton then talked up the big game nous of the Irishman and what be can bring on derby day, stating: “You would rather have him in the dugout than not. His record against Rangers is pretty excellent, he has only lost one in 15. They’ve been very good against Rangers in both the games so far this season. Celtic will know this is a different Rangers team, the last manager (Michael Beale) was a bluffer. They have now got a manager in who knows his stuff, he’s galvanised the team and got them believing. They are moving in the right direction. But it’s impossible to call. That’s the beauty of this game. Anything can happen, any scoreline.”

Sutton also talked up the returning stars who could be crucial on derby day. He added: “It’s a case of how fit Callum McGregor is. If he’s been sitting on a bike in a gym for five or six weeks, it’s not quite the same as training so how much work he does this week is key.

“Brendan Rodgers will have a decision to make and Celtic are a better team with McGregor in it. But if he’s not fit, or even half-fit, then he can’t play. But it’s a big boost for Celtic having Reo Hatate back with him coming through against Livingston, plus Cameron Carter-Vickers too.”

But Boyd believes a returning Rangers star could be pivotal – even if he doesn’t play the full 90 minutes. The former Rangers striker said: “It’s a boost for a title run-in, but I can’t see [Abdallah] Sima starting. I think Rangers are pretty settled in that area with Fabio Silva playing off the left and Cyriel Dessers playing through the middle.”

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